Jaishankar Asserts Pakistan Relations Will Remain Strictly Bilateral

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statement offering to work with both India and Pakistan for a resolution on the Kashmir issue, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made his first public remarks to clarify India's official stance on the matter. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s relations and dealings with Pakistan will remain “strictly bilateral,” underscoring that this approach has been a longstanding national consensus for many years, with no deviation or change.

Jaishankar’s statement came as a direct response to the international attention generated by Trump’s remarks, which suggested a more multilateral or externally mediated approach to the Kashmir dispute. The Indian government has consistently maintained that any dialogue or resolution regarding Kashmir is a matter strictly between India and Pakistan, without third-party involvement. Jaishankar reiterated this position firmly, emphasizing that India’s dealings with Pakistan have always been and will continue to be confined to bilateral channels.

He conveyed that to him, the policy and position were "fairly clear," and he took the opportunity to reaffirm the official Indian stance that Pakistan remains a bilateral issue. He highlighted that the national consensus, built over many years and reflecting the collective will of India’s political and diplomatic leadership, is unaltered. Jaishankar stressed that there is “absolutely no change” in the consensus that interactions with Pakistan will remain strictly bilateral. This clarity was important to convey given the confusion or speculation that could arise from foreign leaders suggesting alternative diplomatic frameworks.

The remarks also underscore India’s diplomatic approach to Kashmir as being rooted in sovereignty and self-determination principles. India has repeatedly rejected external mediation or interference, considering Kashmir an integral part of its territory and any discussions about its future must be bilateral, conducted directly with Pakistan. Jaishankar’s comments reaffirm India’s rejection of third-party intervention in this sensitive matter and reinforce the country’s commitment to maintaining control over the narrative and diplomatic process related to Kashmir.

Furthermore, Jaishankar’s statement reflects the Indian government’s broader foreign policy approach toward Pakistan, which has been shaped by decades of complex, often tense relations marked by conflicts and attempts at dialogue. The emphasis on “strictly bilateral” dealings signals continuity and consistency in India’s policy, aiming to keep channels of communication open yet controlled and free from external influence.

In summary, in the aftermath of President Trump’s unexpected proposition to engage both India and Pakistan for a Kashmir solution, India, through its External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has firmly restated its longstanding position that all dealings with Pakistan must be strictly bilateral. This stance represents a national consensus that remains unchanged and reaffirms India’s diplomatic approach toward the Kashmir issue, prioritizing sovereignty and direct engagement with Pakistan without any third-party involvement.