India Will Never Accept Mediation on Pakistan Issues, PM Modi Tells US President Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, firmly stated that India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept third-party mediation on issues with Pakistan. Modi detailed India's "measured" military actions during Operation Sindoor post-Pahalgam terror attack, emphasizing that the subsequent ceasefire was agreed upon directly with Pakistan at their request, without any US involvement or discussion of trade deals as leverage.
Unpacked:
India rejects third-party mediation due to historical experiences where such interventions either failed to resolve the underlying issues or were seen as undermining India's sovereignty. The position is rooted in legal agreements, national consensus across governments, and the view that all matters with Pakistan, especially Kashmir, are strictly bilateral and should not involve external parties.
Yes, third-party mediation has occasionally played a role, especially during crises. Examples include U.S. involvement during the Kargil War and the 2001–2002 military standoff, as well as earlier mediation efforts by the World Bank and the United Nations. However, while such interventions have helped prevent immediate escalation, they have rarely resolved root causes of conflict.
Operation Sindoor refers to a set of “measured” military actions undertaken by India following the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation was a direct response to the attack, aiming to address security concerns and deter further violence, and subsequently led to a ceasefire arrangement with Pakistan, reportedly agreed upon bilaterally.
The Kashmir conflict dates back to 1947, when Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India after an invasion by tribal forces backed by Pakistan. India considers this accession legally binding, while Pakistan disputes it. The region has been a flashpoint for several wars and ongoing tensions, with both nations holding differing claims and approaches.