New Delhi: China has publicly claimed that it played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan during their brief but serious military confrontation earlier this year, a statement that has been strongly rejected by India, which insists the situation was resolved strictly through bilateral military communication.
At a recent foreign policy interaction, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing had helped bring calm between India and Pakistan, listing the episode as part of China’s broader diplomatic efforts to reduce global tensions. The remarks appear aimed at projecting China as a responsible global power capable of influencing regional peace.
The claim relates to the military escalation in May, when relations between India and Pakistan sharply deteriorated following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The situation rapidly escalated into cross border military action, raising international concern before hostilities ended within days.
Indian authorities have categorically dismissed China’s assertion. Official sources in New Delhi said the de escalation was achieved exclusively through direct contact between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, particularly via established communication channels between the Directors General of Military Operations. India has reiterated that no external country played any role in ending the confrontation.
New Delhi has also underlined its long standing position that issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, in line with the Simla Agreement. India has consistently opposed third party mediation, especially by countries that maintain close strategic ties with Pakistan.
Political reactions in India have been sharp. Several leaders questioned China’s credibility as a neutral actor, pointing out Beijing’s deep military and diplomatic partnership with Islamabad. They argued that a country aligned so closely with one side cannot realistically claim to be an impartial peacemaker.
China’s statement has drawn comparisons with earlier claims by Donald Trump, who had also suggested that international intervention helped defuse India Pakistan tensions. India had rejected those claims as well, maintaining that the resolution was entirely bilateral.
Analysts see China’s remarks as part of a wider geopolitical narrative in which major powers seek to shape global perceptions by claiming diplomatic success. For India, however, the message remains unchanged. New Delhi continues to assert that peace and stability with Pakistan can only be achieved through direct dialogue and mutual responsibility, without outside involvement.