Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has conceded that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation in resolving bilateral issues. This statement follows claims made by former US President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly asserted that he played a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Dar clarified Pakistan's position in an interview with Al Jazeera, stating that while Pakistan is open to third-party involvement, India has maintained that all issues must be addressed bilaterally. He further mentioned that the United States had, at one point, proposed a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. However, Washington later clarified that New Delhi considered all matters with Islamabad to be strictly bilateral.

This stance aligns with India's long-held diplomatic position, which emphasizes bilateral negotiations without external intervention, as per the 1972 Simla Agreement. India has consistently maintained that any dialogue with Pakistan can only proceed in an environment free of terror, with no third-party involvement in bilateral matters.

In May, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly suggested that talks between India and Pakistan would occur at a neutral venue. However, in a subsequent meeting in Washington on July 25, Rubio allegedly confirmed that India considers it a bilateral issue.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the ceasefire on May 10th, which saw a cessation of firing and military activity, was a result of direct contact between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. The MEA emphasized that this contact was initiated by Pakistan. India had already achieved its objectives of destroying designated terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also conveyed India's stance to the US, making it clear that India "never accepted third-party mediation and will not accept such mediation in the future" in its conflict with Pakistan. He stated that discussions with Pakistan would focus on terrorism and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Amidst these developments, tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.

Pakistan has stated its willingness to engage in bilateral dialogue with India, provided that the discussions are comprehensive and cover issues such as terrorism, trade, the economy, and Jammu and Kashmir. However, India's position remains firm: dialogue can only occur in a terror-free environment, with no external mediation on bilateral matters.

Amit Malviya of the BJP has criticized those who propagate the idea of third-party mediation, urging them to stop echoing Pakistan's propaganda.