India has firmly told the United States that any future talks with Pakistan will only focus on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the handover of wanted terrorists. “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 have any intention of any other topic. We don’t want anyone to mediate. We don’t need anyone to mediate,”- An India Today report citing government sources said.
News agency ANI, quoting a top government official, wrote that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s orders were unequivocal: “Wahan se goli chalegi, yahan se gola chalega.” There are also reports that operation Sindoor has not been over yet. It said: “Operation Sindoor is not over. We are in a new normal. That’s why we are using the words ‘understanding’ and stoppage of fire.”
Talk With Vice-President JD Vance
During his discussion with US Vice President JD Vance, Prime Minister Modi reportedly warned that any future provocation from Pakistan would trigger an even “more devastating” response. The US played a limited role, with direct pressure applied only to Islamabad, reportedly linking IMF financial support to its willingness to stand down.
According to reports, the only pending issue is the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to us. Any future talks with Islamabad will be limited strictly to the handover of terrorists, not political negotiations. This message is supposed to be clearly sent to the US during the talks with US Vice President JD Vance. This comes amid US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between the two countries on the issue of Kashmir.
India Rejects Any Third-Party Intervention
India has time and again rejected any third-party intervention on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and has unequivocally expressed that the region is an integral part of India. On Saturday, India also played down the role of the US in achieving an agreement on cessation of hostilities saying that the understanding had been reached between DGMOs of the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has maintained a consistent stand against terrorism, “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so. Trump’s statement and the earlier ones made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already invited criticism from the opposition Congress.
