India Reaffirms Position on Kashmir, Rejects Mediation Claims Amid Ceasefire Developments

India today firmly reiterated its longstanding position that all matters concerning the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are strictly bilateral and to be addressed solely between India and Pakistan. 

The government made it clear that there has been no change in this policy, while calling on Pakistan to vacate Indian territories under its “illegal occupation”.

Responding to recent comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Kashmir, an official spokesperson stated, “We have a longstanding national position that any issues pertaining to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.”

The official added, “As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan.”

Ceasefire Understanding Followed Military Pressure

Clarifying recent developments surrounding the cessation of hostilities along the border, the government revealed that the ceasefire understanding was finalized through a phone call between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 10, 2025, beginning at 15:35 hrs.

India asserted that the decision by Pakistan to seek an end to firing followed a “highly effective attack” by the Indian Air Force earlier that day on key Pakistani military targets.

“It was the force of Indian arms that compelled Pakistan to stop its firing,” said the spokesperson. “This was not a result of any mediation but a consequence of India’s firm and proportionate military response to the April 22 terrorist attack.”

The Indian government also underscored that its message to all international interlocutors was “clear and consistent” — that India’s operations were aimed at terrorist infrastructure, and that India would respond in kind to any Pakistani military aggression.

“This same message was conveyed publicly and in private conversations with other nations,” the spokesperson said. “If Pakistan stops, India will also stop.”

Indus Waters Treaty Put on Hold

India also announced that, as per the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision dated April 23, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has been placed in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to end its support for cross-border terrorism.

“The IWT was concluded in a spirit of goodwill and friendship. Pakistan has betrayed that spirit,” said the spokesperson, noting that evolving challenges including climate change and demographic pressures now necessitate a re-evaluation of water-sharing arrangements.

No Trade Talks During Military Engagement

On speculation that U.S.-India conversations during the period of heightened military activity may have included trade discussions, the government clarified that the topic of trade did not come up.

“From the time Op Sindoor commenced on May 7 until the ceasefire understanding on May 10, discussions between Indian and U.S. leaders were focused solely on the evolving military situation. Trade was not discussed,” the spokesperson confirmed.

Response to Pakistani Foreign Office

In a strong response to a statement issued by the Pakistani Foreign Office, India rejected what it called an attempt by Islamabad to evade accountability.

“That a nation which has nurtured terrorism on an industrial scale should think that it can escape the consequences is fooling itself,” said the spokesperson. “The terrorist infrastructure sites that India destroyed were responsible not only for the deaths of Indians but of many other innocents around the world.”

India concluded by noting that a “new normal” has been established in the region. “The sooner Pakistan gets used to it, the better.”