External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has categorically dismissed the US President Donald Trump's allegations of American role in mediating the short-lived India-Pakistan conflict in May this year.
Addressing the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar reiterated India's consistent policy of resisting third-party involvement in its bilateral issues with Pakistan.
Responding to President Trump's continuous assertions that the US had a role in reducing tensions during the four-day standoff, Jaishankar explained, "On the matter of mediating (India-Pak conflict), since 1970s, for over 50 years now, there's a national consensus in this country that we do not accept mediation in our relations with Pakistan."
His comments come in the backdrop of increased interaction between Washington and Islamabad, especially in security and economic affairs, despite three decades of distrust and strategic divergence. The developments point towards attempts at resetting ties, marked by several high-level interactions.
Significantly, Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir has travelled to the US twice in recent months, with talks said to include trade, economic growth, and cryptocurrency regulations, which indicates a broader range in bilateral talks.
Jaishankar also highlighted the merits of the government's consistent track record of defending Indian farmers' interests and maintaining national sovereignty. "When it's trade, the farmer's interest, when it's strategic autonomy, when it's resisting mediation, this government is very clear," he said.
He also challenged critics to come out in the open and express their stands to the Indian people, saying, "If someone is disagreeing with us, please let the people of India know that you are not willing to protect the interests of farmers. Tell the people of India you don't care about strategic autonomy. We care. We will do everything we have to do in order to keep it."
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