On Monday, India unequivocally put to rest any notion that Kashmir was an issue that needed mediation. In one of the strongest statements ever made by an Indian PM in the presence of a POTUS, PM Modi led to rest any notion of external mediation

U.S. President Donald Trump also said that India and Pakistan could handle their dispute over Kashmir on their own, but he was there should they need him.

Trump has previously offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the contested Himalayan region of Kashmir.

He discussed the issue on the sidelines of a G7 summit in France with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who withdrew autonomy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir on Aug. 5.

Trump said Modi told him that he had Kashmir under control. 

Imran Whinges Again

Somehow, this led Imran Khan to conclude that they had succeeded in ‘internationalising the issue of Kashmir’.

He was quoted saying by news agency ANI: “Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan: We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up. I will speak at the UN General Assembly on September 27 and highlight the Kashmir issue on world stage.”

Khan added: "If conflict moves towards war then remember both nations have nuclear weapons and no one is a winner in nuclear war and it has global ramifications.Super powers of the world have a huge responsibility. Whether they support us or not Pak will go to every extent ."

Trump had made offer to mediate in Imran Khan's presence, an offer that was vehemently rejected by India. Modi, speaking alongside Trump, said the Kashmir issue was a bilateral one between India and Pakistan.

During the meeting, Trump joked that PM Modi’s English was very good, but he didn’t like talking in the language. (PM Modi was speaking to the media in Hindi). This led to a boisterous reaction from PM Modi who playfully slapped Trump on the hand.

All Issues Bilateral: Modi

PM Modi said: “All issues between India & Pakistan are bilateral in nature, that is why we don't bother any other country regarding them. We can both work together. This is an important meeting with my friend (Trump) and the oldest democracy (US). India is the oldest democracy. He (Trump) congratulated me after the election victory.”

India And US Can Work Together

He added: “In the field of economy, we are in constant talks and place due consideration of their suggestion. Indian diaspora in the US has been a part of US' progress. I thank the people of the US and the administration for that. India and US can work together, we have common values which can help the world.”