The Government of India has clarified that any issue related to Jammu and Kashmir will be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan, with no role for any third party. During a press conference on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan must vacate the illegally occupied Kashmir (PoK). He reiterated India's enduring policy stance, which remains unchanged.
The Ministry of External Affairs also mentioned that a ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10 following discussions between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan. Pakistan requested this conversation at 12:37 PM on the same day due to technical issues preventing contact through the hotline. Subsequently, a call was scheduled at 3:35 PM based on the availability of the Indian DGMO.
'Pakistan's Ceasefire Request Made Under Duress'
India clarified that Pakistan's request came out of necessity, following highly effective strikes on major Pakistani air force bases by the Indian Air Force that morning. The Ministry stated, 'It was the might of the Indian military force that compelled Pakistan to halt its gunfire and military actions.'
The ministry emphasized that in conversations with other countries, India consistently communicated that its actions on April 22 were purely targeted at terrorist infrastructures. If the Pakistani military engages, the Indian forces will respond. However, if Pakistan ceases its actions, India will reciprocate. This message was conveyed at the onset of 'Operation Sindhur', which Pakistan initially disregarded.
'Discussion with the U.S. Focused Solely on Military Issues'
When questioned about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged statement on Kashmir, the Ministry reiterated that India’s position is clear and firm: Kashmir matters are bilateral issues between India and Pakistan. This stance remains unchanged, and Pakistan must vacate the illegally occupied Indian territory (PoK).
The spokesperson for the Ministry confirmed that during Operation Sindhur from May 7 to May 10, discussions between Indian and American leaders were exclusively about military circumstances, with no trade issues raised.
'This is the New Normal, Pakistan Must Come to Terms'
India strongly reacted to comments made by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding India's actions. The Ministry stated, 'Any nation that has cultivated terrorism as an industry for decades cannot escape its consequences. The terrorist infrastructures dismantled by India were responsible not only for the deaths of Indian citizens but also for thousands of innocents globally. Now, a new normal is in place, and Pakistan would benefit from acknowledging it sooner rather than later.'
'India to Suspend Indus Water Treaty'
The Ministry asserted that the Indus Water Treaty, based on mutual trust and goodwill, has been undermined by Pakistan's long-standing support of cross-border terrorism. As per the April 23 Cabinet Security Committee (CCS) decision, India has resolved to suspend this treaty until Pakistan ceases its support for terrorism permanently.
