MEA Clarifies No Trade Talks With US Amid Operation Sindoor; Reiterates Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Until Pakistan Ends Terror Support

In a firm and unambiguous message to Pakistan and the international community, MEA has clarified that recent discussions with the United States were strictly centered around the security situation following Operation Sindoor and had no mention of trade-related matters.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday confirmed that the dialogue between Indian and US leadership was solely focused on the evolving military developments in the wake of India’s precision counter-terror operations launched on May 7, 2025. These operations were aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Kashmir Is a Bilateral Matter: MEA Reaffirms India’s Stand

Addressing a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s unwavering position on the Kashmir issue. “Our stand remains consistent — the Kashmir issue must be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan. There is no room for third-party intervention,” he said.

He further asserted that the only unresolved matter between the two nations concerning Kashmir is the return of territories that are illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Pakistan Must Accept the ‘New Normal’

With a sharpened tone, India sent a stern message to Islamabad. “There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan comes to terms with it, the better,” said Jaiswal. The remark underscores India’s shift to a more assertive posture in its dealings with cross-border terrorism and proxy war threats.

The MEA also lambasted Pakistan for nurturing terrorism “on an industrial scale,” holding it responsible for not just Indian casualties, but also for the deaths of innocents around the world.

Indus Waters Treaty Suspended — Conditional Resumption Tied to Terror Abandonment

In a significant policy move, India has decided to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stating unequivocally that it will not resume cooperation under the agreement until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably” renounces its support for cross-border terrorism.

The treaty, which dates back to 1960, governs water-sharing between the two nations. Suspending it is widely viewed as a strong geopolitical signal, especially as tensions escalate post-Operation Sindoor.

India Rejects Nuclear Speculation, Asserts Conventional Conduct

In response to comments made by US President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of a nuclear escalation, India clarified that its military operations were strictly within the conventional domain. The MEA emphasized that India will not bow to nuclear blackmail and will not allow terrorism to hide behind the shadow of nuclear threats.

“India’s response was measured, targeted, and fully conventional. Any speculation about nuclear conflict is unwarranted,” said Jaiswal.

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a high-precision military campaign targeting key terror training camps and logistical bases operating under Pakistani protection in PoK. The operation was reportedly initiated in retaliation for a series of attacks on Indian security personnel and civilians in Jammu & Kashmir in late April.

India’s firm stance marks a new chapter in South Asia’s geopolitical narrative. With clear red lines drawn on terrorism and water diplomacy, New Delhi has sent an unmistakable message: India will protect its sovereignty and citizens at all costs — diplomatically, militarily, and strategically.