India rejects US President Trump’s statement linking a trade offer to conflict resolution

India Rejects Trump’s Claim Linking Kashmir Mediation to Trade Deal

India has strongly rebuffed former US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he proposed mediating the Kashmir conflict in exchange for trade concessions from New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India’s consistent position that Kashmir remains strictly a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, dismissing any suggestion of third-party involvement.  

During a recent campaign speech in Iowa, Trump recalled telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “You have this massive conflict going on with Pakistan... I’ll help you settle it, but you have to do something for me on trade.” The remarks drew an immediate response from Indian officials, who emphasized that the country has never sought external mediation on Kashmir.  

Political analysts expressed doubts about Trump’s account, noting that India has historically rejected any outside interference in Kashmir-related matters. Former diplomats pointed out that Trump’s claim appears inconsistent with India’s unwavering stance on the issue. The controversy comes years after Trump’s presidency, during which US-India trade relations faced tensions over tariffs and market access.  

The statement sparked reactions across India’s political spectrum, with opposition leaders demanding clarity on whether such discussions ever occurred. Meanwhile, social media saw widespread support for the government’s firm rejection of linking trade to Kashmir, with many Indians asserting the country’s sovereignty over the region.  

As India prepares for upcoming elections, the government’s resolute position on foreign policy matters continues to shape public discourse. The swift dismissal of Trump’s remarks reinforces New Delhi’s long-standing principle that Kashmir’s resolution remains exclusively between India and Pakistan, without external conditions or trade-related bargaining.