CHENNAI: New Delhi on Tuesday snubbed the US’ offer to mediate in the India-Pakistan conflict, saying there was no change in the government’s position on “bilateral redressal of all India-Pakistan issues in an environment free of terror and violence”.
This follows American ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley’s remarks at a press conference in New York Monday, where she said Washington may “try and find its place in efforts to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions and not wait till something happens.” She went on to add that apart from the US National Security Council, even President Donald Trump might get involved in the process.
In a terse statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that while India’s position against third party interference is consistent, “We of course expect international community 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.”
Haley’s “not a serious player,” said Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal. “Trump doesn’t give much importance to the UN. She has no participation in decision making.” Besides, while Trump has been seeking some opening towards Russia, “she has been making harsh statements and lambasting Russia at the UN,” he added . “She has no apparent understanding about Indian sensitivities and the positions that have been taken by the earlier US administrations including George Bush, to not publicly intervene,” he said.
“Trump and his team are very agitated about Islamic terrorism, the kind that you see in Kashmir. So she is creating difficulties for herself, for her UN role, and relationship with India. At a time when PM Modi is planning to visit Washington, she has put an unnecessary issue on the table,” said Sibal.
“Haley does not actually indicate any shift in US policy,” argues Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, Fellow at Ananta Aspen Centre. “There is a difference between wanting to mediate between India and Pakistan and saying US will seek to preempt any conflict between the two countries. The US did intervene in a conflict before: during Kargil and it worked in India’s favour.. ..”