India has outrightly rejected China's claim of mediating in the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Government sources stated that the ceasefire following Operation Sindoor was a result of direct talks between the DGMOs, with no role for any third party.
New Delhi: India has firmly dismissed China’s assertion that Beijing played a mediating role in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Indian government sources have clearly stated that no third party was involved in reaching the ceasefire agreement following the clashes in May. India’s position remains consistent – it does not accept external intervention in matters concerning India and Pakistan.
What happened after Operation Sindoor
According to Indian sources, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to a militant attack in Pahalgam. This period, between May 7th and 10th, saw increased military tension between India and Pakistan. Subsequently, a ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10th.
Government sources clarified that no country mediated during this entire sequence of events. Pakistan itself contacted India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) requesting a ceasefire. The ceasefire was then implemented through direct communication between the DGMOs of both countries.
Why is India’s stance so firm?
India has long maintained a policy that issues related to Pakistan are bilateral. From the Shimla Agreement onwards, all subsequent diplomatic documents have clearly stated that India and Pakistan will resolve their issues amongst themselves.
Therefore, whenever countries like the United States and now China claim mediation, India immediately rejects it. India believes that the entry of a third party leads to complications rather than solutions.
What did China say?
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during an event in Beijing on the international situation and China’s foreign relations, claimed that the tensions between India and Pakistan were among the major issues in which China mediated this year.
Wang Yi stated that local wars and cross-border conflicts have increased globally, and China has adopted an objective and just stance for lasting peace. He also claimed mediation in the conflict in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Cambodia-Thailand dispute, in addition to the India-Pakistan case.
China joins Trump in making the claim
This is not the first time a major country has attempted to take credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Previously, US President Donald Trump also repeatedly claimed to have played a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
However, India had clarified at that time as well that the ceasefire was a result of direct talks between the DGMOs of both countries. India dismissed the US claim in the same manner as it has now dismissed China’s claim.
Indian sources speak plainly
NDTV, citing government sources, reported that no mediation took place after Operation Sindoor. India has consistently maintained that no third party was, or will be, involved in this process.
Sources state that Pakistan, considering the situation, requested a ceasefire itself. India reviewed the situation and then engaged in talks at the DGMO level, leading to the implementation of the ceasefire.
