China’s assertion that it “mediated” tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year has triggered surprise and scepticism in New Delhi, with officials familiar with the matter calling the claim “bizarre” and factually incorrect.
The remark was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a symposium in Beijing on China’s foreign relations, where he listed India-Pakistan tensions among several global conflicts that Beijing allegedly helped mediate in 2025. Wang Yi grouped the claim alongside China’s involvement in issues such as northern Myanmar, Palestine-Israel, and the Iranian nuclear question.
However, people aware of the developments in New Delhi firmly rejected the suggestion of any Chinese role. According to them, China had “no part whatsoever” in de-escalating the military standoff between India and Pakistan in May. They emphasised that the decision to stop military action was reached solely through direct communication between senior military officials of the two countries.
The standoff followed a deadly terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following days of heightened tension, both sides agreed to halt military action on May 10.
Indian officials reiterated New Delhi’s long-standing position that there is no scope for third-party mediation in matters concerning India and Pakistan. “The Chinese claim is strange and disconnected from reality,” one person familiar with the discussions said.
Some officials also noted similarities with repeated claims by US President Donald Trump, who has said Washington mediated between India and Pakistan assertions that India has consistently dismissed.
China’s role during the crisis had earlier drawn attention due to reports suggesting Beijing provided Pakistan with real-time surveillance inputs and military support. China currently supplies over 80% of Pakistan’s military hardware, adding to Indian concerns over Beijing’s strategic intentions.
For New Delhi, the message remains unchanged: India-Pakistan issues are bilateral, and external mediation claims whether from Washington or Beijing are firmly rejected.
