Indian Envoy Dismisses U.S. Mediation Efforts in Kashmir Dispute

India’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, firmly rejected U.S. calls for mediation in the ongoing Kashmir dispute, asserting that the issue is strictly bilateral between India and Pakistan. Speaking to Bloomberg TV’s Haslinda Amin on Monday, Ambule emphasized, “For us, Kashmir is a bilateral issue, not an international issue. The word mediation does not work with the Kashmir issue.”

This statement comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan after four days of intense clashes that heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The U.S. had claimed to play a role in facilitating the de-escalation, yet India maintains that the truce was achieved through direct negotiations.

Ambule noted that the ceasefire was established after the Director General of Military Operations from Pakistan contacted his Indian counterpart, asserting that India’s goal of dismantling terrorist camps had been met. He also highlighted that Pakistan’s military had indicated India was the first to seek de-escalation.

The recent escalation included drone and missile strikes on military sites, leading to fears of a potential war. Despite initial reports of violations following the ceasefire declaration, the agreement appeared to be holding as of Sunday, reflecting a fragile but necessary pause in hostilities.