India declines Donald Trump’s offer to mediate border dispute with China

During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, US President Donald Trump offered to mediate in the ongoing India-China border dispute. While expressing optimism about future ties with China, Trump described the border tensions as “vicious skirmishes” and said he would “love to help” in resolving the issue.

Trump, who previously had a fluctuating relationship with China, remarked, “I think we are going to have a very good relationship with China. I got along with President Xi very well until COVID... I think China is a very important player in the world.” This statement comes amid a complex geopolitical climate between the US, India, and China.

India, however, swiftly responded by rejecting Trump’s offer, reiterating its long-standing policy of addressing border disputes through direct bilateral dialogue. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, addressing the media after Modi’s two-day visit to the US, stated, “Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbours, we have always adopted a bilateral approach to dealing with these issues.”

This is not the first time Trump has offered to mediate in the India-China border conflict. During his previous tenure as president, he made similar remarks, which were also declined by India. New Delhi has consistently maintained that third-party intervention is unnecessary in border-related matters.

Trump’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with analysts viewing his remarks as an attempt to reassert US influence in Asian geopolitics. While his stance on China has oscillated over time, his statement on the border dispute comes as tensions between India and China continue along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).