On Tuesday, India firmly rejected any third-party intervention on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that all matters with Pakistan will be resolved bilaterally. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Mr. Randhir Jaiswal (1998-batch Indian Foreign Service officer) made this clear during a 30-minute press briefing. He also stated that Pakistan must vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and emphasized that no external mediation will be accepted.
Also Read: What Got Us Ceasefire – Strike On Terror, Nuclear Spectre Or A Trade Scare?
India Dismisses Trump’s Claims on Mediation and Ceasefire
The MEA also rebutted recent claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding his role in mediating the Kashmir issue and taking credit for the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Claim 1: Mediation on Kashmir
MEA: “India does not accept third-party involvement in the Jammu & Kashmir issue. The matter will only be resolved between India and Pakistan. This has always been our consistent position. The only pending issue is Pakistan vacating PoK.”
Trump’s claim: On May 11, Mr. Trump said, “I’ll try to work with both countries to see if a solution can be found to the Kashmir issue, even if it takes a thousand years.”
Claim 2: Ceasefire Linked to Trade
MEA: “From the start of Operation Sindoor on May 7 to the agreement to cease military action on May 10, Indian and American leaders did engage in conversations on evolving military situations. However, at no point was trade discussed.”
Trump’s claim: On May 12, he asserted that he told both sides they would receive U.S. trade support only if they agreed to a ceasefire, failing which there would be no trade. He claimed the ceasefire followed this message.
Key Takeaways from the Ministry of External Affairs’ Press Conference
1. India to Seek UN Listing of TRF as Terror Outfit: Mr. Jaiswal announced that India will press for The Resistance Front (TRF) to be listed as a terror organization by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He said, “TRF is an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba. We have evidence, and TRF has claimed responsibility for recent attacks. We have requested the UNSC’s sanctions committee to list TRF; a response is expected soon.”
2. Pakistan Always Celebrates After Losing Wars: Commenting on Operation Sindoor, Mr. Jaiswal said Pakistan suffered damage to several locations and critical infrastructure.
“We targeted terror infrastructure. On the night of May 9, we repelled a Pakistani attack and destroyed their airbases. Following this, Pakistan proposed a DGMO-level dialogue. Satellite images of the strikes are available to verify these claims.”
He added that Pakistan has a pattern of celebrating defeats with drum-beating, calling it a “habitual practice.”
3. BSF Constable Still Held by Pakistan: When asked about BSF Constable B.K. Sahu, who has been held in Pakistani custody for 20 days, Mr. Jaiswal said, “I don’t have a direct update, but the matter is being handled by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army.”
4. Concern Over Democratic Suppression in Bangladesh: Mr. Jaiswal expressed concern over reports of political restrictions in Bangladesh and the possible banning of the Awami League. “Democratic norms are being sidelined. Freedom is being curtailed, and the political space is being narrowed. We want free and fair elections in Bangladesh,” he stated.
India’s Position on Pakistan
India reiterated its long-standing position that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is an internal matter and should be resolved bilaterally with Pakistan. “The only issue left is the return of PoK to India,” Mr. Jaiswal said, dismissing any change in policy.
He confirmed that India and the U.S. held military discussions during Operation Sindoor, but no talks were held on trade. He emphasized that while India targeted only terror bases, Pakistan attacked civilians. India’s message to Pakistan was direct: “If Pakistan attacks, we will respond. If they maintain peace, so will we.”
Mr. Jaiswal said global leaders support India’s right to self-defence and recognize Pakistan as the “epicenter of terrorism.” He cited the UNSC’s April 25 statement, which called for action against entities that aid terrorism.
This press briefing highlights India’s clear stance on national sovereignty, its approach to counter-terrorism, and its firm diplomatic messaging to both global and regional actors.
