Third-Party Mediation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has categorically rejected any possibility of third-party mediation in India’s longstanding conflict with Pakistan, according to statements released by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday.
The comments were made during a 35-minute-long telephone conversation between Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, amid renewed tensions in the region and growing international interest in the India-Pakistan standoff.
Foreign Secretary Misri, in his briefing to the media, clarified that Prime Minister Modi used the opportunity to convey India’s firm and consistent position on bilateral issues with Pakistan. Modi reportedly told Trump that India had never accepted any form of external mediation on its disputes with Pakistan and would not do so in the future under any circumstances.
“Prime Minister Modi made it unequivocally clear that India will not accept third-party mediation on matters concerning Pakistan,” Misri stated. “He reiterated that all issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, in accordance with the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized that India would not engage in trade negotiations while it remained focused on its counter-terrorism efforts. Modi explained to President Trump that India’s security concerns, especially regarding cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, took precedence over economic or trade dialogue at this stage.
According to Misri, Modi further highlighted how India’s firm and strategic response to recent provocations had forced Pakistan to seek de-escalation through military communication channels, a process that unfolded without any need for external involvement or mediation.
The conversation reflects India’s broader diplomatic strategy of managing its tensions with Pakistan without international interference.
Modi’s remarks also appear aimed at reinforcing India’s sovereign right to manage its security and foreign policy matters independently, even while maintaining close strategic ties with the United States.
This development comes amid growing speculation in the international community regarding possible American involvement in facilitating talks between New Delhi and Islamabad. However, Modi’s firm stance sends a clear signal that India remains committed to a bilateral framework in dealing with its neighbor.
