India has rejected US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate on Kashmir issue, making it clear that the only issue on the table is Pakistan vacating the territory it illegally occupies in PoK.
Government sources made it unequivocally clear that India sees no role for external intervention in the matter. “We have a very clear position on Kashmir, there is only one matter left- the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). There is nothing else to talk. If they talk about handing over terrorists, we can talk. We don't want anyone to mediate. We don't need anyone to mediate.” Indian position is that whole of Jammu &Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the U.S. President’s mediation offer and thanked Trump for his willingness to step in.
Trump, commenting on the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan following four days of heightened military tension over the Pahalgam terror attack, praised the leadership of both countries. “I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan... Millions of good and innocent people could have died!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also said that while mediation hadn’t been discussed, the U.S. would substantially increase trade with both nations and was willing to assist in resolving the Kashmir dispute. “I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” he added.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions. I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Operation Sindoor has also hit Pakistan at the core of its defence infrastructure with key bases being the target. Air Marshal AK Bharti said, "A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt and towards that in a swift, coordinated, calibrated attack, we stuck its Air bases, command centres, military infrastructure, air defence systems across the entire Western Front. The bases we stuck includes Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan sending a clear message that aggression will not be tolerated. This was followed by strikes at Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad...We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more."
While India and Pakistan have agreed on cessation of hostilities, India says any further misadventure from the Pakistanis will see India react in full measure.