Any mediation with Pakistan will require end to cross-border terrorism: S Jaishankar rejects Trump's remarks on Kashmir issue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," he 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," Jaishankar said.

"The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," Jaishankar told parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, Opposition members created ruckus in both the houses, seeking Prime Minister's clarification on the issue.

Following the ruckus, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that everyone should be seen speaking in one voice on the issue. "It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity & national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice," he said.

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Jaishankar's statement comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do."

(With inputs from agencies)