In a shift from earlier remarks, the United States has clarified that India and Pakistan must engage in direct communication to address their bilateral issues, emphasizing that the resolution must come without third-party mediation.
Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, said on May 13 that the US encourages “direct communication” between both sides to maintain regional stability. He made the statement in response to a question about India’s reported rejection of US mediation efforts.
–“We encourage direct communication. We’ve been clear on that. We continue to encourage that direct communication,” Pigott said at a press briefing in Washington DC.
This marks a course correction in the US position following a controversial post on May 10 by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that the US had mediated an agreement for a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan. He had also announced that both countries agreed to begin talks on a wide range of issues at a neutral location.
Indian officials, however, quickly responded, rejecting any third-party mediation. On May 11, New Delhi reiterated that talks on Jammu and Kashmir or any other bilateral issues would be conducted only between India and Pakistan.
“We have a longstanding position that all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, on May 13.
While Pigott referred to Trump’s praise for both Indian and Pakistani prime ministers for “choosing the path toward peace,” his statement clarified that the US does not seek to mediate and supports bilateral engagement instead.
This clarification aligns with India’s consistent position on avoiding third-party involvement in talks with Pakistan, especially on sensitive issues like Kashmir.
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