India has dismissed President Trump’s proposal for mediation in the India-China border dispute, reaffirming its commitment to resolving such issues bilaterally. The discussions during Trump’s visit to India also included defense ties and trade agreements, with a focus on establishing a bilateral trade agreement by Fall 2025.
In response to President Donald Trump’s recent offer to mediate the border disputes between India and China, India has reaffirmed its commitment to a bilateral approach to such matters. The President’s suggestion followed a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, where he expressed concern over the violent nature of the ongoing skirmishes between the two nations.
During a joint news conference, Trump remarked, “I look at India, I do see the skirmishes on the border, which are quite vicious, and I guess they continue to go on. If I could be of help, I’d love to help because that should be stopped. That’s been going on for a long time and it’s quite violent.” Despite Trump’s willingness to assist, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India’s traditional reliance on bilateral discussions to address such issues.
India has previously rejected Trump’s offers to mediate between India and China, as well as between India and Pakistan. The U.S. leader has been striving to position himself as a global mediator, particularly focusing on conflicts such as those in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East.
In discussions related to defense ties, Trump extended an offer to provide Indian forces with F-35 stealth fighter jets. However, Foreign Secretary Misri clarified that talks regarding this proposal have not yet commenced.
During the media briefing, Misri addressed Trump’s recent imposition of reciprocal tariffs, a key aspect of his trade strategy to address perceived inequalities. He noted that tariffs were discussed multiple times between the leaders, leading to a commitment to explore a bilateral trade agreement going forward.
The India-U.S. trade agreement discussions, which had stalled previously, are set to resume, with a target completion date of Fall 2025. Misri remarked on the strong indications from leadership to engage in these negotiations, suggesting a positive outlook for progress in the coming months.
In conclusion, India has opted to maintain its bilateral approach in resolving border disputes with China, despite President Trump’s offer of mediation. The bilateral discussions on defense and trade agreements are set to resume, showcasing a commitment from both nations to strengthen ties. While issues concerning tariffs were acknowledged, there is optimism for future cooperation and resolution between India and the United States.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
