'No need for third-party mediation in PoK issue, will not give in to nuclear blackmail'; India rejects Trump's claims

NEW DELHI: India has made it unequivocally clear that any discussions with Pakistan will be solely about retrieving Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and that no third party has any role in such matters. Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, the country also indirectly responded to U.S. President Donald Trump, who had earlier offered to mediate, claiming that he was instrumental in de-escalating tensions during 'Operation Sindoor.'

Trump had expressed his willingness to intervene in the Kashmir issue. In this context, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal held a press conference to clearly state India’s position.

He stated that nuclear threats or cross-border terrorism would not deter India from launching defensive actions. "The world has been made aware of this. India will neither give in to nuclear intimidation nor tolerate cross-border terrorism. The military operation 'Operation Sindoor' carried out against Pakistan was fully in accordance with India’s traditional procedures," Randhir said.

"Pakistan has also denied reports that a meeting of the National Command Authority was convened to prepare for nuclear war. We have clarified that terrorist camps were attacked in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and this was communicated to countries, including the United States," he said.

Randhir mentioned that trade relations were not a key focus in the talks held with the U.S. during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. His comments subtly alluded to an earlier statement by President Trump, who had reportedly cautioned that the U.S. might halt trade with both nations if a ceasefire was not reached.

Ceasefire requested by Pakistan High Commission

• On May 10 at dawn, following India’s airstrikes on major Pakistani air bases, Pakistan was compelled to request a ceasefire, according to Randhir Jaiswal.
• At 12:37 p.m., the Pakistan High Commission made a phone call to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Due to technical issues, they faced difficulty activating the military hotline. Eventually, a conversation was arranged for 3:35 p.m.
• Despite being warned not to retaliate against Operation Sindoor, Pakistan ignored the caution. Foreign leaders who heard India's side may have raised the matter with Pakistani mediators.
• Pakistan claimed that Indian airbases were attacked. However, satellite imagery shows the ground reality. When comparing the areas Pakistan claimed to have targeted with the actual Indian sites, inconsistencies are clear.
• India reiterated that it will not reconsider its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. Climate change, demographic shifts, and technical developments must also be reflected in the treaty.