Jaishankar Rejects Mediation, India-Pakistan Ceasefire Was Bilateral, Reaffirms Stand on Kashmir and Operation Sindoo
In a firm and clear statement, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has asserted that the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was a strictly bilateral decision, not brokered by any third party. The statement was made during an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS and comes amid global speculation that international actors might have played a role in de-escalating tensions following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ceasefire Was “Direct and Bilateral”
Refuting claims of international mediation, Jaishankar said,
“The ceasefire was not negotiated by anyone else. It was the Pakistani army which sent a message that they were ready to stop firing, and we responded accordingly.”
This declaration effectively shuts down narratives suggesting U.S. or other foreign involvement in achieving the ceasefire. Jaishankar added,
“The US was in the United States. We made it clear to everyone that if the Pakistanis want to stop fighting, they need to tell us directly.”
The clarity of Jaishankar’s words is seen as a reflection of India’s longstanding position that bilateral issues with Pakistan must be handled between the two countries—without external intervention.
Context: The Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor
Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked following a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The incident was widely condemned across India and prompted swift retaliation.
India launched **Operation Sindoor**, a precision military campaign targeting nine terror-linked sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terrorists were reportedly neutralised, including operatives from the banned groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Justifying the operation, Jaishankar stated:
“If there are acts of the kind we saw on April 22nd, there will be a response. We will hit the terrorists. If the terrorists are in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are.”
His remarks underline a key shift in India’s security doctrine—one that promises direct and targeted retaliation for any terror activity emanating from across the border.
No Room for Third Parties on Kashmir
On the sensitive issue of Kashmir, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance:
“Kashmir is part of India. No country negotiates a part of its territory.”
He dismissed any possibility of third-party involvement in discussions related to Kashmir and emphasized that any future talks with Pakistan must be serious and strictly bilateral in nature.
“This is something between us and the Pakistanis. We propose to deal with it bilaterally.”
This position is in line with India’s historical rejection of foreign intervention in the Kashmir issue, dating back to the Simla Agreement of 1972.
Diplomatic Clarity in Uncertain Times
Jaishankar’s interview marks a significant moment in India’s foreign policy narrative. By publicly denying third-party mediation and taking ownership of both the ceasefire and retaliatory military operations, India is asserting itself as a sovereign and decisive power in regional security matters.
It also serves as a warning to Pakistan that future acts of terrorism will not be tolerated and will invite robust military responses. Simultaneously, it reassures international stakeholders that India is committed to peace, but not at the cost of its national security or territorial integrity.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s message is clear: dialogue with Pakistan is possible, but only on India’s terms and without external interference. As tensions ease for now, the path ahead will depend on whether Pakistan continues to uphold the ceasefire or if further provocations compel India to respond with equal, if not greater, force. Either way, New Delhi has made its red lines unmistakably clear.
