The Ministry of External Affairs reiterates India’s firm stance on resolving the Kashmir issue bilaterally with Pakistan, dismissing US President Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire.
By Our Correspondent
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 13, 2025, reaffirmed India’s longstanding position that the Kashmir issue must be addressed bilaterally with Pakistan, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India’s policy remains unchanged, urging Pakistan to vacate illegally occupied Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir, a key point of contention following Operation Sindoor.
India’s Military Might Forced Ceasefire
Jaiswal clarified that the ceasefire on May 10, 2025, was a direct result of India’s military actions, not external mediation. Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting Pakistani terror infrastructure. A significant attack on Pakistani Air Force bases compelled Pakistan’s DGMO to request a ceasefire via a hotline call at 12:37 hrs on May 10. “The force of Indian arms compelled Pakistan to stop its firing,” Jaiswal stated, dismissing any third-party influence.
No Trade Discussions with the US
Addressing Trump’s claim that he threatened to halt trade with India and Pakistan to enforce a ceasefire, Jaiswal denied any such discussions. Between May 7 and May 10, Indian and US leaders discussed the military situation, but trade was never mentioned. PM Narendra Modi, in a national address on May 12, also hinted that India’s decision to pause hostilities was independent, reinforcing that India’s actions were a direct response to Pakistan’s aggression.
A New Normal for Pakistan
India communicated to global partners that its military operations targeted terror infrastructure responsible for attacks on Indians and others worldwide. Jaiswal warned, “There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets used to it, the better.” This follows India’s destruction of sites linked to the Pahalgam attack, signaling a tougher stance against cross-border terrorism and setting a precedent for future responses to Pakistani aggression.
India stands resolute on its bilateral approach to the Kashmir issue, crediting its armed forces for the ceasefire and dismissing external mediation claims in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
