US President Donald Trump has made no bones about his deep desire for a Nobel Peace Prize — vehemently proclaiming a US role in ‘ending’ multiple conflicts. Repeated clarifications from both India and Pakistan have so far failed to deter the POTUS from his assertions about “averting nuclear war” between the two neighbours. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a fresh clarification on Tuesday — revealing that India had a long-standing policy against “any third-party mediation”. A statement to this effect was also conveyed to Pakistan by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
‘No third-party mediation’
Dar told Al Jazeera that Islamabad had raised the issue of third-party mediation with Rubio during a meeting in July — prompting the top Trump aide to explain that New Delhi did not support any outside involvement. He explained that the ceasefire offer had first come through Rubio on May 10, with US officials indicating that there would soon be a dialogue between Pakistan and India at an independent place.
“We don’t mind. But India has categorically been stating that it’s bilateral. So we don’t mind it being bilateral. When I met Secretary Rubio in Washington on July 25…I asked him what happened to the dialogue? So he said India says it’s a bilateral issue… So we’re not begging for anything. If any country wants dialogue, we’re happy and welcome it,” Dar told Al Jazeera.
The remarks also came mere days head of a meeting between Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York. The yet-to-be-confirmed interaction will also reportedly include Field Marshal Asim Munir — hosted earlier this year by Trump for an unprecedented White House meeting. Local media reports suggest that the two leaders will discuss a wide range of topics including India-Pakistan ties, the devastating floods in Pakistan, and fallout from an Israeli strike on Qatar.
Trump, Pakistan and India
Ties between India and the US have come under strain in recent weeks as Trump imposed a 50% tariff over continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump has also worked to improve ties with Russia — inviting Munir for lunch at the White House and announcing a trade deal to develop oil reserves. He had also left many incensed towards the end of July after suggesting that Islamabad could one day sell oil to its neighbour.
The President has also claimed on dozens of occasions that he singlehandedly averted a nuclear war between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Repeated clarifications from New Delhi denying his role have left Trump undaunted as he doggedly pursues a Nobel Peace Prize. Pakistan has also officially stated that Donald Trump did not have any role in Operation Sindoor — but announced plans to nominate the Republican leader for the Nobel in June.