India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions escalate after Jaishankar dismisses Islamabad’s mediation role

ISLAMABAD: Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has come under intense criticism for disparaging remarks about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran.

Speaking at an all-party meeting in India, Jaishankar referred to Pakistan as a “dalaal” (broker) and dismissed Islamabad’s mediation efforts, claiming the country has been “used” by the US since 1981, according to The News. The comments drew widespread condemnation from Pakistani politicians and diplomats.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Jaishankar a “hi-fi dalal” and accused him of personal frustration. Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for former President Asif Ali Zardari, criticized the Indian minister for what he termed “diplomatic dementia” and said Jaishankar’s efforts to isolate Pakistan had instead “isolated India.”

Former foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani described the language as reflecting a “sick mindset,” while former Sindh governor Imran Ismail said the remarks were ironic given India’s foreign policy often appears “for hire.” Former power minister Khurram Dastgir Khan condemned the comments as “reprehensible,” highlighting Pakistan’s strategic stance during the May 2025 conflict.

The spat comes amid reports that Pakistan is actively facilitating back-channel talks between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad being considered as a potential venue for high-level meetings, including US Vice President JD Vance. Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir recently spoke with US President Donald Trump, reflecting Pakistan’s growing role in regional diplomacy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government also faced criticism domestically. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described Modi’s foreign policy as “compromised” and accused the government of blindly siding with Israel, warning that India’s international credibility has suffered.

The escalating rhetoric underscores mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, as Islamabad positions itself as a key mediator in the West Asia conflict while New Delhi faces backlash for dismissing its neighbour’s diplomatic efforts.