New Delhi: India has firmly rejected China’s claim that it helped mediate peace between New Delhi and Islamabad during the military conflict earlier this year, reiterating that the understanding was reached solely through direct communication between the two countries. The response follows public remarks by Chinese leaders asserting Beijing’s role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.
China recently stated that it played a constructive role in reducing hostilities in multiple conflict zones, including South Asia. Addressing a symposium on international affairs in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China adopted an objective and balanced approach to resolving global conflicts and cited the India Pakistan situation as one of several regions where Chinese mediation helped calm tensions.
India, however, has consistently maintained that the conflict, which began on May 7, was resolved through established military channels without any external involvement. New Delhi has clarified that the ceasefire understanding was finalised during a direct phone conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan on May 10. The timing, language and terms of the agreement were worked out exclusively between the two sides.
Officials in New Delhi have repeatedly underlined that issues concerning India and Pakistan are bilateral in nature and leave no room for third party mediation. This position has remained unchanged despite similar claims made earlier by other global leaders.
The broader context of China’s involvement during the conflict has also drawn attention internationally. A recent assessment highlighted that Beijing used the brief military confrontation as an opportunity to evaluate and showcase its modern defence systems. During the four day conflict, several Chinese origin weapons platforms deployed by Pakistan were reportedly used in active combat for the first time.
Following the conflict, China was said to have offered advanced military equipment to Pakistan, including next generation fighter jets and missile defence systems. Chinese diplomatic missions also publicly highlighted the performance of these systems, indicating an effort to promote defence exports.
India has pushed back against suggestions that China used the conflict as a testing ground, though senior military officials have accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Pakistan. According to Indian assessments, China’s strategy reflected long standing military doctrines aimed at weakening an adversary through indirect means.
As geopolitical narratives continue to evolve, India has remained clear and consistent in its position that the May ceasefire was a result of direct engagement between the two militaries, with no role played by any third country.
