India has opted for a bilateral approach to resolve its border disputes with China, declining President Trump’s offer of mediation after a discussion between him and Prime Minister Modi. Trump emphasized the violence of the skirmishes, while India’s Foreign Secretary reiterated the country’s stance. Trade agreements and defense cooperation were also key topics during their talks.
In response to President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate the ongoing border dispute between India and China, India has reaffirmed its commitment to a bilateral approach for resolving such issues. This offer was extended following a meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, where Trump acknowledged the violent clashes that have occurred along the border. “If I could be of help, I’d love to help because that should be stopped,” he stated during their joint press conference.
However, shortly after Trump’s proposition, the Indian government declined, emphasizing its long-standing practice of addressing disputes directly with neighboring countries. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri elaborated, “Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbours, we have always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues.”
President Trump has historically offered to mediate conflicts involving India, including issues with Pakistan, but these overtures were previously dismissed. His administration has expressed a desire to position the United States as a mediator in global conflicts, with particular attention to the situation in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Foreign Secretary Misri also addressed Trump’s suggestion regarding the provision of advanced F-35 fighter jets, noting that discussions are still at a proposal stage and formal negotiations have yet to commence. Additionally, he mentioned trade discussions, highlighting how Trump had recently imposed reciprocal tariffs on trading partners.
During Mr. Misri’s briefing, he underscored the potential for a bilateral trade agreement, indicating that it could facilitate resolution of trade imbalances. The Foreign Secretary recalled how previous negotiations under the Trump administration had aimed to formalize an agreement during Prime Minister Modi’s 2020 visit, which ultimately did not come to fruition. The new goal is to revive these discussions and conclude an agreement by the fall of 2025, as indicated in the India-US joint statement publicly released.
In summary, India remains resolute in its approach to managing its territorial disputes with China through bilateral negotiations rather than outside intervention. The discussions also touch on defense and economic collaboration, suggesting ongoing engagement between India and the U.S. to establish a robust partnership, particularly in defense and trade sectors. As both nations seek to redefine their ties, the focus will remain on direct dialogue to resolve significant issues.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
