Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has revealed that India refused any third-party mediation to resolve bilateral tensions during Operation Sindoor, contrary to claims by former US President Donald Trump.
India Insists on Bilateral Talks
During an interview with Al Jazeera, Dar said Pakistan requested US intervention through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but India rejected any outside involvement, insisting all dialogue must be direct and bilateral.
Dar recalled:
“When the ceasefire offer came through Rubio on May 10, I was told the dialogue would be independent. During the July 25 meeting in Washington, I asked what happened to those talks. Rubio confirmed India wanted bilateral discussions.”
This contradicts Trump’s repeated statements that US mediation prevented potential conflict after India’s precision strikes on terrorist targets in Pakistan and PoK following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.
Pakistan Stresses Willingness for Dialogue
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s readiness for comprehensive talks, covering:
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Terrorism
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Trade and economy
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Jammu & Kashmir issues
“We are willing, but India insists on bilateral talks. Dialogue must be voluntary. We cannot force it,” he said.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to eliminate terrorism and the sacrifices made in this fight.
Water Security and National Defense
On water issues, Dar warned:
“Future conflicts may arise over water. Any unilateral action under the Indus Waters Treaty will be seen as a declaration of war.”
Regarding Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, he stated:
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The nuclear force is purely defensive
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Pakistan has no intention of first use
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It will defend its sovereignty at all costs if attacked
Global Stance on Recent Conflicts
Dar also criticized Israel’s recent strike on Qatar, calling it a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and sovereignty of Muslim nations.
“Attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and now Qatar are unacceptable and intended to disrupt peace processes,” he added.
