New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reaffirmed that any engagement between India and Pakistan must be strictly bilateral, excluding any third-party mediation. The assertion comes amid recent developments following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory military action against cross-border terrorism after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear that “talks and terror do not go together,” and emphasized that bilateral discussions—if any—would be focused solely on the vacation of Pakistan-occupied Indian territories in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our position is that any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral. At the same time, I would like to remind you that talks and terror don’t go together,” Jaiswal stated.
He also reiterated India’s readiness to discuss the handing over of terrorists who are on a list previously shared with Pakistan.
Indus Waters Treaty Held in Abeyance
In a significant statement, Jaiswal announced that the Indus Waters Treaty, a key agreement between the two countries, would remain “in abeyance” until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases support for cross-border terrorism.
India Dismisses Trump’s Ceasefire Claim
Responding to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that the US played a mediatory role in brokering the “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, the MEA spokesperson said:
“In my last briefing, I had addressed this issue. I have nothing further to add.”
India has consistently refuted external involvement in its bilateral affairs, especially regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
India-China: Emphasis on Trust and Terrorism Concerns
Turning to India-China relations, Jaiswal also confirmed that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on May 10, 2025. During the call, NSA Doval conveyed India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism, particularly emanating from Pakistan.
“The Chinese side is well aware that mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity remain the basis of India-China relations,” Jaiswal emphasized.
Background: Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation involved precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 militants affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
In retaliation, Pakistan engaged in cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks, prompting a stronger Indian response. On May 10, an understanding of cessation of hostilities between the two nations was announced—though India firmly maintains that the resolution was bilateral and not mediated by any foreign power.