'No Third Party Interference is Acceptable on Pakistan', Jaishankar's Befitting Reply to Trump's Mediation Claim

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has given a blunt reply to US President Donald Trump, who is claiming to mediate between India and Pakistan. He has clarified that India has never accepted any third party mediation in bilateral matters between India and Pakistan nor will it do so in the future. He stressed that this is India's 50-year-old and unwavering policy.

Addressing an event, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, "We have never accepted third-party mediation on any issue with Pakistan in these 50 years, from 1970 to today. This has been a matter of national consensus. When it comes to the interests of our farmers, our strategic autonomy or opposition to mediation, our government's stand is very clear."

'Trump's style is not traditional'

Commenting on the working style of US President Donald Trump, Dr Jaishankar said that Trump's way of conducting foreign policy in public is very different from traditional US presidents. "We have never seen a US president who conducts foreign policy in this way. His way of dealing with the world and even his own country is a huge change from traditional conservative ways," he said, citing steps like imposing tariffs on non-trade issues as an example of this change.

India's stand firm on trade talks

The foreign minister also made it clear that trade talks with the US are ongoing, but India will not compromise on its interests. He said, "The talks have not stopped, but there are some red lines for us. We are committed to protecting the interests of our farmers and small producers and cannot compromise on these issues. We will not do anything that harms their interests."

Responding to criticism on issues such as oil purchases, he said, "It's ridiculous that people who themselves work for a pro-business administration are accusing others of being pro-business. If you have a problem with buying oil or refined products from India, don't buy it. No one is forcing you to buy."