Jaishankar Clarifies No Trade Link Between US And India-Pakistan Ceasefire During Lok Sabha Debate

During a Lok Sabha debate, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified that no discussions linked trade with the US to the India-Pakistan ceasefire. He stated there was no communication between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump from April 22 to June 17. This statement came amidst questions about Operation Sindoor and Trump's claims of intervening in the ceasefire.

Jaishankar emphasised, "I want to make two things very clear. One, at no stage in any conversation with the United States was there any linkage with trade and what was going on." He further added that there were no calls between Modi and Trump during this period, except for specific instances where Trump conveyed sympathy or explained his inability to meet.

Operation Sindoor's Military Actions

India initiated military strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. The operation led to a significant military conflict with Pakistan, which attempted drone and missile attacks on Indian territory. The conflict ceased after Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted their Indian counterpart for a ceasefire.

Despite Trump's claims of facilitating the ceasefire through trade offers, India maintains that the cessation of hostilities on May 10 resulted from direct DGMO communication. According to India, "This contact was initiated by the Pakistani side," indicating that Pakistan sought the ceasefire.

Defence Minister's Insights

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed Parliament regarding Operation Sindoor, stating that India's military strikes were completed within 22 minutes on May 7. He clarified that the operation is "paused" rather than concluded, as the armed forces achieved their politico-military objectives without external pressure.

Singh assured Parliament that if Pakistan engages in further aggression, operations will resume. He highlighted India's readiness to protect its borders and noted that nine terror sites were targeted effectively. Seven camps were completely destroyed, with evidence of damage within PoK and Pakistan presented to Parliament.

The conclusion of Operation Sindoor highlights India's strategic military response while maintaining diplomatic clarity regarding international involvement. The operation's success underscores India's commitment to national security and its ability to manage regional conflicts independently.