Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India on Tuesday firmly rebutted former US President Donald Trump’s claim that he used trade leverage to broker the ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the issue of trade was never discussed with the United States during the operation and reiterated that it was Pakistan’s military setback that compelled it to seek a ceasefire.
MEA Clarifies Timeline, Rejects Trade Link
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “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 issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions.”
He added that Pakistan’s formal request for ceasefire came on May 10, hours after the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes on key Pakistani air bases. The Pakistani High Commission sent a hotline request at 12:37 pm, and the DGMOs of both nations spoke at 3:35 pm the same day, leading to an agreement to halt hostilities.
Pakistan Approached India for Truce
India reiterated that it was not international pressure or trade diplomacy but the success of the Indian military campaign that forced Pakistan to the negotiating table. “Early on May 10, we did an extremely effective attack on key Pakistani Air Force bases. This was the reason they were now willing to stop firing and military actions,” said Jaiswal, confirming it was the Pakistani DGMO who initiated the truce talks.
Trump’s Comments Stir Political Controversy
Trump, speaking just minutes before PM Modi’s national address on Monday, claimed, “I said, ‘Come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let’s stop it, let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’re doing trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade.’” His remarks sparked political controversy in India.
Government sources further denied any mention of trade in diplomatic conversations. PM Modi had spoken with US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on May 8 and 10, and with NSA Ajit Doval on May 10. Trade was not part of any of these discussions.
Congress Raises Questions
The Congress questioned PM Modi’s silence on Trump’s claims. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X, “Was Operation Sindoor halted due to trade pressure? Has India accepted US mediation on Kashmir? The PM’s speech was completely overshadowed by Trump’s revelations.”
India Maintains Strategic Autonomy
The MEA underlined that India’s military action was “entirely within the conventional domain” and that India will not be swayed by any external pressure. “We do not respond to nuclear blackmail, nor will we compromise on national security for trade or diplomacy,” Jaiswal said.
