Pakistan has reiterated its openness to international mediation, notably from the United States, to resolve the Kashmir issue, a stance articulated by Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan ahead of Army Chief Asim Munir’s visit to the U.S. This diplomatic position arises in the context of heightened tensions with India following a military confrontation in May 2025, where India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, leading to significant escalation. India, however, maintains a firm rejection of any third-party involvement, anchored in the 1972 Simla Agreement, which mandates bilateral negotiations for resolving disputes, including Kashmir. India’s External Affairs Ministry emphasizes that dialogue will focus solely on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terrorism, reflecting a consistent strategy of prioritizing direct engagement over external mediation. The divergence in diplomatic approaches underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving long-term peace and stability in South Asia, as Pakistan seeks to leverage international support while India remains steadfast in its commitment to bi-lateralism. This situation illustrates the complexities of regional diplomacy, where differing perspectives on conflict resolution hinder progress and exacerbate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.