‘Vacate PoK, No Scope for Third-Party Mediation’: India’s Stern Message to Pakistan

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th May: In a strong and unequivocal message, India today reiterated that Pakistan must vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stressing that the Kashmir issue is strictly bilateral and will not tolerate third-party intervention. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a press briefing where its spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, firmly asserted India’s long-standing position.

“Our national position has always been clear – any issue related to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is to be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan. There is no room for third-party mediation,” Jaiswal stated.

“Pakistan Must Vacate Indian Territory”: MEA
Reiterating India’s firm stance, Jaiswal said the pending issue is Pakistan’s illegal occupation of Indian territory. “There is no change in our policy. The only outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan,” he added, referencing the territory known as PoK.

No Trade Talks With the US, Only Strategic Dialogue
Responding to speculation around the involvement of the United States, the MEA made it clear that no trade-related discussions took place during recent diplomatic communications. “From May 7, when Operation Sindoor began, to May 10, when ceasefire terms were agreed upon, discussions between Indian and American leaders focused solely on the evolving military situation. Trade was never a part of the dialogue,” said Jaiswal.

Regarding US President Donald Trump’s earlier mediation offers, Jaiswal reiterated, “There is no change in our position — Jammu & Kashmir is an internal matter of India, and any resolution with Pakistan must happen bilaterally.”

“Pakistan Has Been Taught a Lesson”: India Warns
Commenting on the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Jaiswal declared, “Pakistan has been given a befitting lesson.” Despite the ceasefire, the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended as a measure of India’s continued strategic pressure.

He further revealed that multiple Pakistani airbases were destroyed during the recent military operations. “Yet, Pakistan continues its charade of celebration even in defeat. This is not new. They did the same after the 1971 war, the 1975 conflict, and the 1999 Kargil war,” Jaiswal said, slamming Islamabad’s “drum-beating” culture.

He clarified that the recent ceasefire agreement included no clauses on trade. “The DGMO-level talks were initiated at Pakistan’s request, but India will not succumb to any form of blackmail or coercion,” he affirmed.

India Concerned Over Ban on Bangladesh’s Awami League
On being asked about the ban on the Awami League in Bangladesh during the India-Pakistan military conflict, Jaiswal expressed serious concern. “India is naturally worried about any curbs on democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. As a democracy, we support Bangladesh in holding free, fair, and inclusive elections at the earliest,” he said.