Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear to U.S. President Donald Trump that India will never accept third-party mediation in the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan. This statement came during a phone call between the two leaders on Tuesday, as confirmed by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Modi strongly reiterated India’s position that any talks on Kashmir must only happen between India and Pakistan.
Trump had repeatedly offered to mediate between the two countries after a brief conflict in May, which saw military action between India and Pakistan. However, India denied the U.S. role in brokering the ceasefire, saying that talks had been held directly between the two countries. Modi also clarified that no discussions took place about trade or U.S. mediation during the conflict.
The situation has created tension, with Trump claiming that trade deals and ceasefire negotiations helped end the conflict. While Pakistan has supported Trump’s claims, India has denied any U.S. involvement. Trump has also praised both nations for agreeing to a ceasefire, but India has remained firm on its stance that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory and cannot be discussed through a third party.
While analysts note that Trump’s public mediation offers have tested India’s position, it remains unclear how this might affect the ongoing trade talks between the two countries.