In a diplomatic appeal met with skepticism, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again sought the intervention of US President Donald Trump to revive talks with India, reigniting an old narrative amid tense regional dynamics following India’s Operation Sindoor. The plea, delivered during a recent event hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad, has raised eyebrows across diplomatic circles, especially in New Delhi, where the move is being viewed as symbolic posturing rather than serious diplomacy.

This renewed appeal to the United States comes at a time when global scrutiny over Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorism is at an all-time high. As India continues to expose Islamabad's role in facilitating cross-border attacks, Sharif’s gesture is being interpreted as an attempt to shift global discourse from Pakistan’s internal contradictions to external mediation efforts.

Sharif’s Praise for Trump: A Familiar Refrain

Prime Minister Sharif, echoing earlier remarks made by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, showered praise on Donald Trump for what he described as the US leader’s past efforts in “de-escalating tensions” between the two nuclear-armed nations. Referring to historical ceasefire declarations and diplomatic pauses, Sharif stated:

“On ten separate occasions, President Trump has taken credit for facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and rightly so. If the US is willing to help maintain this ceasefire, it is only reasonable to expect that its involvement in facilitating comprehensive talks would be equally useful.”

These remarks are seen by many analysts as part of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic manoeuvre to internationalise the Kashmir issue and pressure India into a dialogue—despite New Delhi’s consistent refusal to allow any third-party intervention in bilateral matters.

India’s Unyielding Stand on Terrorism and Dialogue

The Indian government, however, has categorically rejected Pakistan’s request for US mediation, reiterating its long-standing policy that any dialogue with Islamabad must be contingent on the complete cessation of cross-border terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied territories in Jammu and Kashmir.

From successive governments—both Congress and BJP-led—India’s position has remained unwavering:

• No third-party mediation, including by global powers like the United States.

• Talks can only happen bilaterally and when Pakistan demonstrates concrete action against terrorist networks operating from its soil.

• Any dialogue will be exclusively focused on anti-terror cooperation, not territorial negotiations under duress.

This policy was once again underlined as India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refrained from engaging with Sharif’s comments, referring instead to recent escalations and India’s ongoing diplomatic campaign highlighting Pakistan’s duplicity on terrorism.

Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath

India’s recent Operation Sindoor, a precision military campaign aimed at eliminating terror launchpads and training facilities across the Line of Control (LoC), has further dented the possibility of any near-term talks. While India claimed success in destroying key militant hideouts, Islamabad responded with predictable denial, accusing New Delhi of “aggression”—a charge India rejected, citing legitimate counter-terror measures.

This operation has further widened the diplomatic gulf between the two countries. India’s position has grown more assertive, receiving support from major democracies and counter-terror forums globally, while Pakistan finds itself diplomatically cornered, facing pressure from both allies and adversaries.

Shashi Tharoor’s Hard-Hitting Response

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, currently heading an all-party Indian delegation to the United States, dismissed Sharif’s comments in characteristically blunt language. Speaking to media in Washington D.C., Tharoor said:

“The US understands well that India will not negotiate under threat. You can’t talk to a neighbour who unleashes Rottweilers on your children and then asks for dialogue. Unless those dogs are chained, caged, or put down, there’s nothing to discuss.”

His remarks drew strong reactions both domestically and internationally. While some hailed his metaphorical clarity, others noted the intensifying tone of India’s foreign policy messaging.

Tharoor also challenged Pakistan’s repeated claim of being a “victim of terrorism,” calling it a calculated deflection from its own track record of sponsoring jihadist groups like LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba) and JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed).

The Indian delegation in Washington made it clear that “meaningful dialogue” would only begin once Pakistan demonstrates intent and action—dismantling terror havens, ending support for extremist groups, and returning to civil statehood rather than strategic ambiguity.

India’s Broader Diplomatic Game Plan

India has also been engaging allies and regional blocs, including the Quad, BRICS, and SCO, in laying out the evidence of Pakistan’s double game. The dossier prepared by Indian intelligence agencies and submitted at multiple international platforms reportedly includes:

• Satellite imagery of terror camps across PoK.

• Intercepts of ISI communications with terror outfits.

• Testimonies from captured terrorists linking their training to Pakistani soil.

These steps are part of India’s multi-front strategy: isolate Pakistan diplomatically, counter it militarily when required, and expose it internationally using legal and diplomatic tools.

The Role of the United States and Global Response

While Trump’s past remarks about “mediation” made headlines during his 2019 visit to the region, official US policy continues to support bilateral resolution of the Kashmir issue. The Biden administration and now the Trump-led administration (as per Sharif’s assumption) have not formally altered that stance.

US State Department spokespersons have routinely emphasized that “India and Pakistan must resolve their differences through direct dialogue.” While the US is willing to play a supportive role in de-escalation, it has refrained from any formal mediation unless both sides agree—which India resolutely opposes.

Moreover, India’s strategic partnerships with the US, especially on defence, trade, and anti-terrorism, give it considerable leverage in shaping Washington’s South Asia policy.

Conclusion: More Posturing Than Progress

Pakistan’s appeal to Donald Trump, though headline-grabbing, is being viewed by India and its strategic community as a symbolic, desperate gesture to divert attention from the consequences of Operation Sindoor and the increasing international spotlight on its terror nexus.

India’s diplomatic establishment has made it unequivocally clear that talks and terror cannot coexist. Unless Pakistan dismantles its terror infrastructure, vacates occupied Kashmir territories, and demonstrates a fundamental shift in policy, there is no room for engagement, mediated or otherwise.

In this context, Shehbaz Sharif’s praise of Trump appears more as an attempt to shape a global narrative rather than a credible diplomatic initiative. With India maintaining strategic calm yet resolute firmness, the ball remains squarely in Pakistan’s court—not in Washington’s.

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