If India-Pak want...: Trump offers to mediate on Kashmir, again
What's the story
US President Donald Trump is not giving up the idea of mediation to solve the Kashmir issue, which has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Raking up the matter again on Thursday, Trump told media he was "ready to intervene" and it's up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "take up the offer". Earlier, New Delhi had rejected Trump's claims. Here's more.
Context
Backstory: Trump said Modi sought mediation, India rubbished his claims
Trump's offer for mediation kicked a storm last month. After meeting Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan in the US, Trump said PM Modi urged him to "intervene" and solve the Kashmir matter. Khan liked the idea and told Trump will get the wishes of millions of people if he succeeds in doing so. However, India maintained it didn't seek Trump's help and that the dispute will be solved bilaterally.
Statement
This time, Trump put the ball in India's court
Unwilling to let the matter go, Trump said while the dispute is between India and Pakistan, he has no qualms in "intervening". "It is really up to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi (to accept the offer of mediation)," Trump said. When asked about India's rejection of the offer, Trump replied, "Have they accepted the offer or not?" Further, Trump noted the dispute is very old.
Quote
According to Trump, PM Modi and Khan will "get along"
Calling Khan and PM Modi "fantastic people", Trump said, "I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them.... and I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in (sic) India about it."
Reaction
While Trump showed his eagerness, India said "No, thank you"
Trump then said he would "certainly intervene" if the South Asian neighbors want. However, just like last time, India rejected Trump's idea. Reacting on Trump's statement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "Have conveyed to American counterpart US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir, if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally."
Details
To note, India doesn't appreciate third-party intervention, Pakistan does
The approach taken by PM Modi-led Centre on the Kashmir issue isn't different from India's long-standing stand. New Delhi has always maintained that Kashmir issue will be solved through bilateral talks with Pakistan, despite the latter wanting a third-party intervention in the matter. In the past, Islamabad even sought help from the UN, but India never agreed to it.