Modi Firm on Rejecting Mediation on Kashmir in Call with Trump

DELHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly reiterated to US President Donald Trump that India will not entertain third-party mediation concerning the long-standing issue of Kashmir, according to a senior Indian diplomat.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that during a phone conversation, Modi "strongly" emphasized India's entrenched stance on the matter to President Trump.

Since a brief conflict erupted between the nuclear-armed neighbors in May, President Trump has repeatedly offered to mediate in resolving the "Kashmir issue" between India and Pakistan.

The White House has yet to comment on India’s stance.

Misri further conveyed that Modi made it clear to Trump that no discussions pertaining to an India-America trade deal or third-party mediation between India and Pakistan by the US took place during the conflict.

Trump has asserted that India and Pakistan concluded their conflict following a US-brokered ceasefire, claiming he leveraged trade negotiations to facilitate agreement. While Pakistan has aligned with the US narrative of helping to secure this ceasefire, India has consistently refuted these claims.

"Discussions on halting military engagements were conducted directly through the established channels between India and Pakistan's militaries," Misri stated.

Last month, Trump was quoted telling reporters, “I mentioned that substantial trade opportunities with both nations [India and Pakistan] were contingent upon ending hostilities. 'Stop it and we’ll engage in trade; persist and there will be no trade.'"

Faced with an impending deadline for higher tariffs, Delhi is keen to finalize a trade agreement with the Trump administration by July 9.

The contentious issue of Kashmir remains a flashpoint for both India and Pakistan, each asserting full territorial claims while governing only parts of it. Diplomatic efforts over decades have stalled without a lasting settlement.

India considers Kashmir an integral element of its sovereignty, staunchly opposing any negotiations involving a third party.

Tensions between the two South Asian nations escalated after India accused Pakistan of orchestrating an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in 26 deaths, mostly of foreign tourists—an allegation Islamabad denied.

Subsequently, India launched airstrikes against presumed terrorist sites in Pakistan, prompting four days of substantial military retaliation from both sides.

Both countries reported targeting each other's airbases and military locations.

As the conflict threatened a broader confrontation, President Trump declared on May 10 that India and Pakistan agreed to a "full and immediate ceasefire," facilitated by the United States.

Additionally, a statement from the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized an accord to commence dialogues on various issues at a neutral venue.

On May 11, Trump commended the leaders of India and Pakistan for recognizing the necessity to halt aggression, expressing pride in American diplomacy aiding this "historic and heroic decision."

While Pakistan’s foreign minister noted numerous countries' roles in reaching the ceasefire, India has persistently disclaimed US intervention.

Experts suggest Trump's open proclamations regarding mediation offers in Kashmir have posed challenges to New Delhi's diplomatic boundaries on the issue.

India has traditionally urged its Western allies not to equate its position with Pakistan’s, and opposes dual visits by Western leaders to both nations.

However, Trump's statements often portray India and Pakistan on equal footing, generating unease within India's diplomatic sectors. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if this will impede ongoing trade discussions between Delhi and Washington. — BBC