Modi Rejects Third-Party Mediation with Pakistan:
During a high-level meeting with former U. S. officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently opposed the notion of third-party mediation in India’s relations with Pakistan. US President Donald Trump. As India has done for many years, Modi underlined that direct bilateral talks will be the only means of conducting any discussion or resolution on Pakistan.
During Trump’s trip to New Delhi, the two leaders discussed a variety of topics such as economic cooperation, defense alliances and regional security. But when Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan again the Indian prime minister reacted quickly and forcefully.
Indian law consistently forbids the use of outside mediators:
In a scathing and direct statement, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that India will not tolerate any third-party mediation on matters of Pakistan. We still believe that all disputes should be resolved bilaterally as we have always done. The prime minister’s remarks come after Trump has repeatedly implied that he could assist in easing tensions between the two neighbors who possess nuclear weapons.
Trump who has previously offered mediation while in office praised Indias leadership while urging both nations to look into ways to ease tensions for the sake of world peace. However Modi made it clear that the conflict over Kashmir and other matters involving Pakistan are domestic matters in India that require a peaceful resolution between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Pakistan’s response is probably going to be cautious:
Although Pakistan has not immediately responded analysts anticipate that the neighboring nation will take note of Modi’s resolute stance. In Islamabad international mediation has long been welcomed particularly from the United States and the UN to raise awareness of what it calls the Kashmir dispute. India however maintains that Pakistan must eradicate cross-border terrorism and terror networks operating from its territory before engaging in productive bilateral negotiations.
What Makes India Oppose Third-Party Mediation?
India’s stance on third-party participation has a long history. Since Pakistans Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and then-prime minister Indira Gandhi signed the Simla Agreement in 1972 both nations have committed to bilaterally resolving their differences. International meddling in India-Pakistan affairs is expressly discouraged by the agreement.
On the condition of anonymity, a senior Indian diplomat said that third-party mediation undermines the sovereignty of our diplomatic decisions and opens the door to internationalizing what is essentially a bilateral matter. For a long time the Indian government has believed that outside intervention is ineffective particularly when it comes to delicate and complicated matters like Kashmir.
According to Trumps remarks an effort was made to make peace:
Donald Trump expressed hope for regional peace while acknowledging the complexity of India-Pakistan relations during a joint press conference. Prime Minister Modi and India have always held a special place in my heart. Finding a way for India and Pakistan to live together peacefully is what I hope will happen.
Trump stated We would be pleased to assist if there is any role we can play. The topic has been brought up by Trump before. He said that Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was president a claim that India quickly refuted.
A Message to the Global Community:
A signal to the international community is also being sent by Modi’s firm stance during the meeting, particularly at a time when superpowers are becoming more involved in regional conflicts worldwide. India can handle its foreign policy and its own neighborhood strategic affairs expert Professor Meena Raghavan stated. This was a diplomatic message to all countries not just Trump that India will not put up with uninvited meddling. The Indian public and political spectrum which has generally favored an independent foreign policy, found resonance in the prime minister’s message as well.
Going Ahead: Peace But Only On India’s Terms:
Modi underlined that India is still committed to having peaceful relations with its neighbors including Pakistan but only under the correct circumstances, despite the firm rejection of outside mediation. Reiterating a common statement in Indian foreign policy circles Modi stated We are open to dialogue with Pakistan but terror and talks cannot go hand in hand. India is making it clear that while peace is achievable, it requires mutual understanding the development of trust and a sincere effort on both sides, free from outside intervention.
Conclusion:
India’s diplomatic stance and national priorities are strongly conveyed by Modi’s adamant refusal to accept mediation. As Trumps visit comes to an end, attention is still focused on the precarious peace in South Asia. One thing however, was made abundantly evident during the visit: India will forge its course with diplomacy firmly in its own hands.
For more information, you can visit the original report on Reuters:
India will not accept third-party mediation in relations with Pakistan: Modi tells Trump
