Pakistan's Foreign Minister Highlights India's Rejection Of Third-Party Mediation In Ceasefire Talks

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has acknowledged that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation in ceasefire discussions. He mentioned that while the US had proposed a ceasefire, India insisted on keeping the matter bilateral. This statement directly contradicts US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Dar stated, "India never agreed to any third party mediation." He added that Pakistan is open to dialogue, but New Delhi has not reciprocated. When Pakistan queried US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Trump's mediation assertion, Rubio clarified that India considers it a "bilateral issue."

India's Stance on Bilateral Talks

Trump had previously announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on his social media platform, Truth Social. He claimed credit for the truce after four days of military exchanges nearly led to war. However, India maintained there was no third-party involvement. The understanding was reached after Pakistan requested a truce following India's counter-strikes post-Operation Sindoor.

Dar disclosed that Washington had earlier suggested a ceasefire in May, proposing talks at a neutral location. During a subsequent meeting with Rubio in Washington, Dar learned that India had not accepted the proposal. "When the ceasefire offer came on May 10, Rubio told me talks would happen soon at an independent location," Dar said.

Pakistan's Willingness for Dialogue

By July 25, when Dar asked again, Rubio reiterated India's stance on bilateral discussions. "We don't mind third-party involvement," Dar told Al Jazeera. "But India has categorically been stating it's a bilateral matter." He emphasized the need for comprehensive dialogues covering terrorism, trade, economy, and Jammu and Kashmir.

"India says it is a bilateral issue," Dar continued. "We are not begging for anything. We are a peace-loving country and believe dialogue is the way forward; but it takes two to tango." Despite India's position, Pakistan remains open to engagement if India responds positively.

Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath

India's Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. It targeted terror networks along the Line of Control and aimed to dismantle sleeper cells linked to cross-border militancy. Pakistani officials have consistently condemned India's actions while emphasizing their willingness to continue dialogue between the two nations.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over how best to address their disputes. While both countries express interest in dialogue, differing views on mediation continue to pose challenges.