India turns down Trump’s offer to broker peace with Pakistan

However, it exhorted the international community to ensure that terror emanating from Pakistan is abated.
India and Pakistan flag (File |AFP)
India and Pakistan flag (File |AFP)

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday turned down the US offer to broker peace with its neighbor Pakistan saying that it is still for “bilateral redressal” of all India-Pakistan issues. However, it exhorted the international community to ensure that terror emanating from Pakistan is abated.

The question cropped up after the US Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley hinted that President Donald Trump has been concerned about the tensions between the two South Asian countries and may get involved in a peace process to de-escalate the conflict.

“This administration (Trump government) is concerned about the relationship between India and Pakistan and very much wants to see how we de-escalate any sort of conflict going forward," Haley, who holds a cabinet rank in the Trump administration, told reporters at the United Nations. This is departure from the earlier US’ position of non-interference in India-Pakistan conflict.

Contending that the US would be exploring option to be part of the de-escalation process, Haley said: “So I think that will be something that you will see members of the National Security Council participate in but also wouldn't be surprised if the President participates in that as well."

Reacting to it the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay reminded the US that the Indian Government’s position has been to have bilateral resolution of the conflict with Pakistan and has categorically ruled out any third party mediation. “Government's position for bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence hasn't changed,” Baglay said.

“We of course expect international community and organizations to enforce international mechanisms and mandates concerning terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continues to be the single biggest threat to peace and stability in our region and beyond," Baglay added.

This is another instance of the shaky wicket on which India finds itself post Trump’s victory in the US. Former US President Barak Obama has also articulated this during his campaign but did not actively pursued to mediate between the South Asian antagonists. However, Haley said: "We don't think we should wait until something happens. We very much think we should be pro-active in what we are seeing, tensions rise and conflicts seem to bubble up and so want to see if we can be a part of that."

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