VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Slams Donald Trump Over India-Pakistan Ceasefire Remark, Says 'No Power Can Dictate Us'

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasised that no external force can dictate India's internal matters. He urged citizens to avoid being influenced by foreign narratives. His comments were made during an address to officer trainees of the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) 2024 batch at the Vice-President's Enclave.

"Don't be guided by narratives outside. All decisions in this country, a sovereign nation, are taken by its leadership. There is no power on the planet to dictate to India how to handle its affairs," the vice president said, according to ANI," the vice president said.

India's Sovereignty and Decision-Making

VP Dhankhar highlighted India's sovereignty, stating that while nations engage in mutual respect and diplomatic dialogues, India ultimately makes its own decisions. He stressed that India operates within a community of nations but remains independent in its decision-making processes.

"We do live in a nation and nations that are a comity. We work in togetherness; we work in tandem. We have mutual respect and diplomatic dialogues. But at the end of the day, we are sovereign, we take our own decisions," he said.

Cricket Analogy: Choosing Battles Wisely

Using a cricket analogy, VP Dhankhar questioned whether it was necessary to engage with every challenge or controversy. He suggested that just as skilled cricketers ignore poor deliveries, individuals should also choose their battles wisely and not react to every provocation.

"Is it required to play every bad ball? Is it required to have wrestling sessions as to who said what? One who scores good runs on the cricket pitch always leaves bad balls. They are tempting, but not attempted. And those who attempt, you have safe gloves of the wicket keeper and someone in the gully," VP Dhankhar added.

Clarification on India-Pakistan Ceasefire

The vice president's remarks followed opposition demands for clarity regarding US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating peace between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Trump had stated that he warned both countries against military aggression as a condition for trade deals with the US.

India firmly responded by clarifying that Pakistan requested a ceasefire and that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both nations decided on the peace agreement independently. Prime Minister Modi communicated this directly to Trump during their phone conversation, dismissing any third-party involvement.