“No Mediation on Kashmir” — US Delivers Setback to Pakistan

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Washington has dealt a diplomatic blow to Pakistan by ruling out any role in mediating the Kashmir dispute, reaffirming that the matter remains strictly bilateral between India and Pakistan. The clarification came ahead of a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, which officials say is likely to take place soon.

According to agency reports, a US official said the meeting between Modi and Trump is almost certain given their positive relationship. However, the date and venue have not yet been finalized. The official said, “I am sure the two leaders will meet. They share a very positive bond. Work is underway on the Quad Summit plan. If not this year, the meeting will definitely happen next year.”

On Kashmir, the US State Department official clarified that Washington has no intention of bringing India and Pakistan to the table. He said, “This is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. The President will only step in if both countries request it. At the moment, he already has many global crises to address.”

Recently, Trump congratulated PM Modi on his 75th birthday over a phone call and praised him as a good friend. He also lauded India’s efforts to push for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to strengthen cooperation in priority areas. Earlier in February, Modi and Trump had also held talks covering trade, energy and defence ties.