S Jaishankar, the external affairs minister, declared on Thursday that India’s interactions with Pakistan would be exclusively bilateral.
Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (unseen) at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Monday (May 12). (ANI Photo) (ANI)
Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (unseen) at the latter’s residence in New Delhi on Monday (May 12). (ANI Photo) (ANI) Jaishankar’s comments follow US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he is capable of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, as well as his offer to mediate the perennial Kashmir dispute between the two nations.
“We will maintain a strict bilateral relationship with Pakistan.” Jaishankar informed the media, “That has been a national consensus for years, and there is no change in that.”
In the wake of New Delhi’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, which was launched in the early hours of May 7 and targeted terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan’s Punjab province, India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to cease all hostilities. The Indian Armed Forces reported that the operation resulted in the neutralization of more than 100 militants.
The director general of military operations (DGMO), Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, clarified that he had received a call from his Pakistani counterpart, requesting de-escalation, despite Trump’s assertion that the ceasefire was facilitated by his administration.
Donald Trump’s proposal regarding Kashmir
Donald Trump’s assertion that his administration brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which New Delhi has rejected, was not his only claim. Additionally, he proposed mediation between the neighbors in order to “resolve” the Kashmir issue.
“I am planning to significantly increase trade with both of these wonderful nations.” Furthermore, I will collaborate with you both to determine whether it is possible to reach a resolution regarding Kashmir after a “thousand years.” On May 11, Trump posted on Truth Social, “God bless the leadership of India and Pakistan for a job well done.”
India rejected the offer, whereas Pakistan accepted it. The Shimla Agreement of 1972 has been the foundation of New Delhi’s long-standing policy in resolving all disputes with Pakistan. India has consistently maintained that bilateral negotiations are the sole viable solution to all disputes with Pakistan.
