Sun May 11 17:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India Rejects US Mediation Offer, Demands PoK Return and Terrorist Hand-over from Pakistan
**NEW DELHI** – India has firmly rejected a US offer to mediate in the Kashmir dispute, stating that dialogue with Pakistan will only occur upon the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the handover of terrorists, government sources revealed Sunday. This follows a recent ceasefire violation by Pakistan, hours after an agreement to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
The sources emphasized India’s unwavering stance on Kashmir, asserting that the return of PoK is the sole outstanding issue. Any discussion will be contingent upon Pakistan handing over terrorists operating from its territory. India has also explicitly rejected any third-party mediation in the matter.
This declaration comes after US President Donald Trump offered to mediate, an offer welcomed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, India’s stance remains resolute.
The renewed tensions stem from a recent escalation, beginning with India’s Operation Sindoor, a targeted strike against terrorist hideouts following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Subsequent cross-border shelling and drone attacks by Pakistan followed, leading to the short-lived ceasefire agreement. Indian sources clarified that Operation Sindoor, while a response to the Pahalgam attack, was also a reprisal for four decades of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. India maintains its actions have been strategic and precise. The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan has reignited hostilities and further solidified India’s refusal of mediation.
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