Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday asserted that India firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate in the recent military conflict with Pakistan, reiterating that there was no third-party involvement in the ceasefire understanding between the two nations.
Speaking at a press conference, the Republican Party of India president praised the opposition for initially supporting the government during the standoff but cautioned them against politicising the issue. “The opposition must remain united with the government and avoid creating confusion,” he said.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. However, Indian government sources maintain that the ceasefire agreement—reached on May 10—was a result of direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries, without any external mediation.
Athawale reiterated India’s stand on Kashmir, stating, “There can be no friendship with Pakistan until they return Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and put an end to cross-border terrorism.”
He also condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, calling it a “cowardly act,” and commended the Indian armed forces for sending a strong message by targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the controversy over Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah’s derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Athawale distanced himself and praised Qureshi’s professionalism during press briefings, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh.
