Shashi Tharoor Rejects Trump's Claim of Mediating India-Pakistan Dispute, Stating No Equivalence Between Terrorists and Victims, and India Never Requested Mediation.
Shashi Tharoor: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently leading an all-party delegation of Indian parliamentarians in the US regarding 'Operation Sindur,' has categorically rejected US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict. He argued that mediation between two unequal parties is impossible, especially when one party sponsors terrorism and the other is its victim.
Tharoor's Argument: No Equivalence Between Terrorists and Victims
Tharoor clarified that using terms like 'mediation' implies treating both sides as equals, a notion far from reality. He stated, "There can be no equivalence between terrorists and their victims. A country harboring terrorism and a country progressing with democratic values cannot be compared."
India's Stance: Negotiations Impossible Without Pressure Cessation
Tharoor emphasized that India will not engage in talks with Pakistan until Pakistan dismantles its terror infrastructure. He asserted, "India is not prepared for negotiations until Pakistan eliminates its terror infrastructure."
Trump's Claims: Questioning America's Role
Donald Trump had claimed to have helped resolve tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that if both countries agreed to a ceasefire, the US would engage in trade with them. However, India rejected these claims, stating that the ceasefire resulted from discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.
International Response: Russia and Pakistan's Role
Russia, for the first time, supported Trump's claim, while Pakistan also acknowledged America's role. The Pakistani Prime Minister thanked Trump, stating that the US played a significant role in the ceasefire. However, India clarified that it never requested mediation from any third party.
