MEA Avoids Direct Response to Donald Trump's 3rd Kashmir Mediation Offer, Says 'Wait For US President's Bilateral Meeting With PM Modi'
Trump, while addressing the press following his bilateral meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, said he would be capable of successfully mediating the Kashmir issue between the two nations and take it towards a lasting resolution. 'I have never failed as an arbitrator… I have done it before. But I have to be asked by the other side,' Trump said.
New York, September 24: Shortly after US President Donald Trump made his third offer to mediate on the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a response. The reaction was skirted as the MEA officials along with the spokesperson avoided a direct reply. The Ministry, instead, asked the media personnel to wait with their questions till the conclusion of India-US bilateral meeting on Tuesday.
"I think there is a meeting tomorrow between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President, so let us wait for the meeting," Secretary West in the MEA, A Gitesh Sarma told reporters in New York on Monday night. 'I Trust Imran Khan', Says Trump as He Offers to Arbitrate Peace in Kashmir.
Sarma's response was in contrast to the reaction issued by India on Trump's erstwhile mediation pitch, when the MEA had emphatically reiterated that Kashmir is a "bilateral issue" and does not necessitates a third-party intervention.
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while speaking to reporters, validated Sarma's views by appealing them to "hold on with their questions till the Modi-Trump bilateral meeting takes place.
"The Secretary has responded after giving some thought," he said, while making a reference to what India's principled stand on the issue has been. "You are aware of our position, we have mentioned about it in the past," Kumar added.
"My request is to hold on, just hold on for the meeting tomorrow. I think it is not far and we intend to immediately hold a press conference after that where all the queries which you have on the topic will be answered," the MEA spokesperson said.
Trump, while addressing the press following his bilateral meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, said he would be capable of successfully mediating the Kashmir issue between the two nations and take it towards a lasting resolution.
"I have a very good relationship with PM Modi and I have a very good relationship with PM Khan. I have never failed as an arbitrator… I have done it before. But I have to be asked by the other side," Trump said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2019 09:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).