New Delhi: India stated on Tuesday that any issues related to Jammu and Kashmir are strictly bilateral matters with Pakistan, following remarks by US President Donald Trump about his willingness to mediate in the long-standing dispute between the two South Asian countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal emphasized at a news conference that India's position on the matter remains unchanged. He reiterated the call for Pakistan to vacate what India considers illegally occupied Indian territory. Jaiswal's comments came after President Trump suggested that he would work with both countries to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, referencing a "thousand years" of conflict.

Pakistan responded positively to Trump's statement, which followed a US-mediated ceasefire after recent border tensions involving missile and drone exchanges between India and Pakistan. The tensions escalated after an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, including Indian tourists. India accused Pakistan of being behind the attack, while Pakistan denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.

In the wake of the incident, both nations took diplomatic steps, including India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing water-sharing agreement. Jaiswal stated that the treaty would remain in abeyance until Pakistan ceased its support for cross-border terrorism. In response, Pakistan warned that any move to alter water flow would be considered an "act of war."

Additionally, diplomatic tensions rose as India declared a Pakistani official in New Delhi persona non grata for activities "not in keeping with his official status." Pakistan reciprocated by declaring an Indian official in Islamabad persona non grata for similar reasons.