Modi didn't ask Trump for mediation, says EAM in Parliament
US President Donald Trump's statement on Kashmir dispute created a furor in India, prompting Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to clarify Centre's stand in the Parliament. On Trump's remark that PM Narendra Modi sought his help to resolve Kashmir crisis, Jaishankar said PM never made any such request. Meanwhile, Opposition parties in both the houses demanded PM's reply on Trump's astonishing claims.
Addressing media with Imran Khan, Trump passed stunning remarks
After meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a maiden visit to the US, Trump said PM Modi asked his help for mediation to solve Kashmir crisis. Trump's statements contradict New Delhi's long-standing stance that a third party will not play a role in resolving the dispute. Unlike India, Pakistan has batted for the interference of a third party.
MEA was quick to counter Trump's claims
Dissing Trump's statement, Jaishankar said no request was made
Naturally, the matter resonated in the Parliament with the Opposition demanding answers. "I would like to reiterate that all engagements with Pakistan will remain only bilateral. I would also like to reiterate that bilateral dialog is only possible when Pakistan ends cross-border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration lay the path for any talks on the said issue," he said.
After chaos took over Rajya Sabha, it was adjourned
However, Jaishankar's statements didn't impress the Opposition. Chants of "Pradhanmantri jawab do, jawab do" filled the air, forcing Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh to adjourn the House till 2 PM. Before the proceedings started, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said Congress would seek a reply. "You will see it in the House. We will raise the issue and Congress is raising now also," she said.
Similarly, in Lok Sabha too, Opposition cornered Centre
Meanwhile, the same issue resonated in the Lower House. Congress' Manish Tewari said, "Yesterday's statement by US President Trump, in the presence of Pakistan PM Imran Khan, that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on the Kashmir issue, is like a blow to the unity of India." As per Trump's statement, PM Modi "invited" him for mediation, underscored Tewari.
As tensions rose, Opposition walked out
Amid controversy, Tharoor said PM Modi can't say such thing
Interestingly, Congress' Shashi Tharoor supported PM Modi. Tharoor, who served as MoS in External Affairs Ministry, said Trump doesn't know what he is talking about. "It's impossible that PM Modi can ask such a thing, our policy has always been against mediation," Tharoor, who is an MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said. Separately, NC leader Omar Abdullah opined Trump was talking "out of his hat".
