The Pakistan leader tweeted his fiery comments after concluding talks with Trump at the White House. The US President said that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested Trump’s help in mediating talks over Kashmir between the two countries – a claim New Delhi vehemently denies. Mr Khan had welcomed the US President’s comments, noting that he would garner mass favour in the region if he helped resolve the issue.
After Mr Modi’s administration scrambled to correct the record, Mr Khan said: “Surprised by the reaction of India to President Trump’s offer of mediation to bring Pakistan and India to the dialogue table for resolving Kashmir conflict which has held subcontinent hostage for 70 years.
“Generations of Kashmiris have suffered and are suffering daily and need conflict resolution.”
Kashmir has always been hotly contested between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri separatists.
Following India’s partition in 1947, internal unrest has continued to grow over who Kashmir will be governed by.
It has led to three wars – in 1947, 1965 and the latest one in 1999.
India claimed Trump offended their sovereignty when he said: “I think they’d like to see it resolved, and if I can help I would love to be a mediator.
“I mean it’s impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can’t solve a problem like that, but if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate I would be willing to do that.”
Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar was quick to dismiss the US President and said: “It has been India’s consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally.
“Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism.”
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azaad echoed this, adding: “No matter which government was in power in the past, our foreign policy has been that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and no third party can intervene.”
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that, if Modi did ask Trump to mediate, he will have betrayed India.
He also called on the Prime Minister to release the details of his meeting with Trump.
Mr Khan’s criticism of India’s reaction was backed by Pakistani analyst Hamid Mir, who said: “India refused bilateral talks on Kashmir in recent past and encouraged world leaders to offer ‘third party mediation’.
“If India doesn’t want third-party mediation they must start talks on Kashmir.”
Mr Khan was hoping to mend relations between Karachi and Washington after Trump accused Pakistan of “lies and deceit” last year.
Both leaders expressed optimism after the meeting, with Mr Trump saying: “We have a new leader, he is going be a great leader of Pakistan.
“I think Pakistan is going to do a lot. I really do.
“I think Pakistan is going to make a big difference. I think Pakistan will save millions of lives in Afghanistan because I really believe they can.”