New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday firmly reiterated that the Kashmir issue is a bilateral matter, and the only subject of discussion with Pakistan would be the vacating of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) — Indian territory under illegal occupation.
Speaking to reporters at the inauguration of the Embassy of Honduras, Jaishankar emphasized India’s firm position, stating:
“So sometimes the Kashmir issue has been brought up again. The only thing which remains to be discussed on Kashmir is the vacating of illegally occupied Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. We are open to discussing that with Pakistan… The government’s position is very, very clear.”
Jaishankar reaffirmed that India’s relations with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral and will focus solely on counter-terrorism. He ruled out any involvement of third parties in Indo-Pak matters.
“Our relations and dealings with Pakistan will be strictly bilateral. That is a national consensus for years, and that is absolutely no change. The prime minister made it very clear that talks with Pakistan will be only on terror. Pakistan has a list of terrorists that needs to be handed over, and they have to shut down the terrorists’ infrastructure. They know what to do. We are prepared to discuss with them what is to be done about terrorism. Those are the talks which are feasible.”
Jaishankar also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), confirming that the treaty remains suspended due to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.
“Water issues have been raised again, you all know, and I reemphasise the Cabinet, the Cabinet Committee on Security and the government. It was very clear that the Indus Water Treaty is held in abeyance and will continue to be held in abeyance until cross-border terrorism by Pakistan is credibly and irrevocably stopped.”
Signed in 1960, the IWT was brokered by the World Bank to facilitate water-sharing between India and Pakistan. While it had held up despite long-standing tensions, the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 led to a complete review.
In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor during the night of May 6-7, targeting nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Honduras‘ support in condemning the terror attack:
“I think you know for us it was very good that we have a new embassy and Honduras is a country where you know business is growing. They are politically supportive of us. They were one of the countries who expressed very strong solidarity when it came to the attack, so I appreciated it very much.”
He also highlighted strong international backing for India’s response to the terror strike:
“We actually got a lot of international support. Many ministers, many leaders called up here, many ministers called me up. We had a Security Council resolution which very clearly said that the perpetrators of the attack should be held accountable. And on May 7th morning we held them accountable through the action which was taken through our operation Sindoor.”
Earlier, on May 13, Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reinforced this stance during a press briefing:
“After the CCS decision, this Indus Waters Treaty has been put in abeyance. I would also like to take you back a little. The IWT… was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship… However, Pakistan has held these principles in abeyance by its promotion of cross-border terrorism for several decades now.”
Jaiswal further noted that climate change, demographic shifts, and technological changes have created new realities, and India will not resume the treaty unless Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stops supporting terrorism.
“Now, as per CCS decision that I referred to of 23rd April, India will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts and technological changes have created new realities on ground as well.”