India Firmly Rejects US Mediation in Talks with Pakistan, Says Issue is Bilateral

New Delhi, India: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that India has categorically refused any third-party mediation, including from the United States, in its dialogue with Pakistan. The stance was reiterated during Dar’s meeting in Washington on July 25.

India’s Position

India has maintained that all issues with Pakistan are strictly bilateral and no external involvement will be accepted.

This position was earlier reaffirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who told US President Donald Trump in June that India “has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it.”

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also emphasized the same in an official statement.

Pakistan’s View

Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan is open to dialogue and welcomed talks with India.

He added, “If any country wants dialogue, we are happy. We are a loving country. We believe that dialogue is the way forward.”

Background

Tensions escalated after Operation Sindoor launched by India on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.

The operation came in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 people.

Clashes between the two sides lasted four days and ended on May 10, when Pakistan requested a ceasefire.