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Faced with a firm rejection from India over U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion of mediation on Kashmir, the U.S. State Department has recalibrated its language, urging direct communication between India and Pakistan while carefully avoiding further controversy.
The move follows strong remarks by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on May 11, reiterating its longstanding policy that all issues with Pakistan, including Jammu and Kashmir, must be resolved bilaterally — without any third-party role. It was a clear and firm pushback against Trump’s recent comments in which he offered to “aid in the pursuit of peace,” referring to himself as a “dealmaker” ready to help.
Attempting to soften the diplomatic friction, Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department, struck a more cautious tone at a press briefing on Tuesday. When asked about India’s dismissal of third-party involvement, Pigott said:
“We encourage direct communication. We have been clear on that. We continue to encourage that direct communication.”
This shift in tone reflects Washington’s awareness of New Delhi’s sensitivities around sovereignty and mediation. While Trump appears eager to position himself as a global fixer — echoing past offers to mediate between India and Pakistan — the State Department is now treading carefully to avoid straining strategic ties with India.
Pigott’s remarks suggest an attempt to balance two narratives: upholding Trump’s self-image as a diplomatic dealmaker while acknowledging India’s red lines on external involvement in Kashmir.
“The President wants to solve conflicts when he can… He stands ready to aid in the pursuit of peace. He is a dealmaker. He is a peacemaker,” Pigott added — though without offering specifics or implying any active role unless both parties agree.
India’s position remains unequivocal. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made it clear this week:
“Our stated policy has not changed — all issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir are to be addressed bilaterally by India and Pakistan.”
New Delhi sees any talk of third-party involvement, especially on Kashmir, as an infringement on sovereignty. Such offers — however well-intentioned — are viewed as diplomatic overreach and fuel concerns about legitimizing Pakistan’s narrative in international forums.
The U.S. push for dialogue comes after a volatile week along the India-Pakistan border. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 Indian civilians. The strikes triggered a military retaliation from Pakistan, including cross-border drone attacks and air skirmishes, prompting fears of escalation.
A tenuous ceasefire was reached on May 12 — which Washington claims it helped facilitate behind the scenes — though India has described the agreement as a “pause” rather than a formal truce.
For the U.S., encouraging India-Pakistan dialogue aligns with its broader goal of maintaining regional stability in South Asia. However, India’s growing global stature and strategic clarity leave little room for ambiguity — particularly on issues of territorial integrity and bilateral dispute resolution.
The shift in Washington’s messaging — from unsolicited mediation offers to encouragement of bilateral communication — reflects a more realistic reading of India’s foreign policy posture under Modi.
At the same time, Trump’s persistent desire to claim credit for diplomatic breakthroughs, even where his role is limited or symbolic, suggests that U.S. commentary on India-Pakistan issues may continue to require active damage control from Indian side.
Team BharatShakti
