India refutes Trump’s ceasefire role claim despite evidence of US facilitation
New Delhi: The Indian government has rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in exchange for trade concessions, stating that trade was never discussed during the recent military escalations. However, this dismissal is questionable, as multiple credible international sources and US officials indicated that Washington played a significant behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the ceasefire.
According to Kashmir Media Service, responding to media queries about Trump’s comments, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that while Indian and US leadership remained in contact during the tense standoff with Pakistan, “the issue of trade did not come up in any of the discussions.”
“From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between Indian and US leaders on the evolving military situation, the Indian ministry said, adding, “The issue of trade did not come up in any of the discussions”.
On a question regarding the ceasefire and the role played by other countries, the ministry said, “The specific date, time, and wording of the understanding was worked out between the DGMOs of the two countries at their phone call on May 10, commencing at 3.35 pm.”
Despite, India’s denial of any US role in the ceasefire, these claims are widely regarded as misleading and diplomatically dishonest. Multiple senior US officials and credible international sources have acknowledged Washington’s behind-the-scenes facilitation in the agreement. Moreover, India’s stance also contradicts its own past approach, where third-party intervention was welcomed when aligned with its interests. For instance, during the 2002 India-Pakistan standoff following the so-called Parliament attack, US diplomatic efforts played a key role in defusing tensions.
