mid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made a strong statement today, emphasizing that issues between the two countries, particularly concerning Jammu and Kashmir, will be resolved bilaterally. In a press conference held earlier, the MEA stated unequivocally that “a third party should not speak in the India-Pakistan dispute.”
India also conveyed to the United States that mediation by any external country is not acceptable. The Ministry reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter and that Pakistan must withdraw from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The statement comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor. In the offensive, nine Pakistani terrorist camps were reportedly destroyed, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Amid growing concerns, U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to mediate between India and Pakistan, leading to a temporary ceasefire. However, the MEA clarified that “trade was not a subject of discussion with the U.S. and was unrelated to the ceasefire.” The ministry also condemned Pakistan for violating the ceasefire agreement shortly after it was announced. “We will respond to Pakistan’s bullet with a bullet. After the destruction of its air base, Pakistan withdrew. But playing the victim and making noise after a defeat is an old habit of Pakistan,” the spokesperson added.
In a significant development, the External Affairs Minister addressed India’s stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, originally signed as a goodwill gesture. The Minister stated that Pakistan has "betrayed the spirit of the treaty by consistently supporting terrorism" and declared that the treaty stands suspended until Pakistan takes concrete action to dismantle terrorist camps operating within its borders.
“If Pakistan wants access to water from Indian rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty, it must first eliminate all terror infrastructure on its soil,” the MEA declared, reaffirming the decision made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The situation remains tense, and India continues to monitor cross-border developments while maintaining a firm diplomatic and military stance.