India Firmly Rejects Mediation on Kashmir, Reiterates Demand for PoK’s Return Amid Trump’s Offer
In the latest development concerning the longstanding and sensitive Kashmir issue, India has firmly reiterated its long-held position: it does not support or welcome any third-party intervention or mediation on the matter.
This clarification comes in response to an offer made by United States President Donald Trump, who proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan to help resolve the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir.
President Trump, while praising the recent efforts by both nations to reduce tensions, expressed a desire to assist in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated,
“I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done.”
His remarks followed a reported de-escalation of hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours after four days of cross-border tensions.
Pakistan was quick to respond positively to Trump’s mediation offer. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the gesture and expressed gratitude to the US President for his apparent willingness to step in.
Through an official statement, the Pakistani government conveyed appreciation for what it called the “constructive role” played by the United States in encouraging dialogue and contributing to the recent ceasefire talks.
The Pakistani statement further emphasized the country’s long-standing view that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an internationally recognized conflict with wide-ranging implications for regional and global peace.
Islamabad continues to assert that the issue should be resolved by relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
It also stressed the importance of respecting the “fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people,” which, according to Pakistan, includes their “inalienable right to self-determination.”
However, India has unequivocally dismissed the notion of third-party involvement. In a strongly worded statement from government sources,
New Delhi made it abundantly clear that the Kashmir issue is an internal matter and no external party, including the United States or any other country, is required to mediate.
“We have a very clear and unwavering position regarding Kashmir,” a senior government official said. “There is only one remaining issue to be addressed: the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to India.
That is the only conversation worth having. If Pakistan wants to talk about handing over wanted terrorists, then there is something to discuss. Otherwise, we are not interested in engaging in dialogue on any other topic, and certainly not under mediation.”
India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas currently under Pakistan’s control, is an integral and inalienable part of the country.
The Indian government sees any reference to external mediation as a violation of the Simla Agreement of 1972, which explicitly states that all disputes between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, without third-party involvement.
The recent de-escalation of tensions between the two nations, confirmed by both sides over the weekend, has offered a brief respite from the volatile situation along the Line of Control.
The de-escalation was first revealed by President Trump and subsequently confirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in an official press briefing.
Though details of the agreement remain limited, it appears that behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts helped bring a halt to cross-border strikes that had persisted over a span of four days.
Despite this temporary thaw, the broader Kashmir issue remains as contentious as ever. While Pakistan continues to push for international attention and third-party involvement,
India remains adamant that it will not accept interference from outside powers and remains focused on reclaiming PoK as part of its territorial agenda.
This divergence in positions underscores the complexity and deeply entrenched nature of the dispute. With each side holding firm to its narrative and strategic objectives, any prospect of a comprehensive and lasting resolution appears distant, especially in the absence of mutual trust and direct bilateral engagement.
As global powers like the United States express interest in facilitating dialogue, the situation remains a delicate balancing act, requiring both restraint and clarity of purpose.
For now, India’s stance remains resolute: Kashmir is a bilateral issue, and mediation is not welcome.
