Statement by S. Jaishankar
There were many discussions around the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Some believed that former US President Donald Trump played a role in making it happen. However, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clearly said that this ceasefire was not due to any international mediation. It was the result of direct communication and understanding between the two countries.
Background
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 people. After the attack, tensions rose sharply between India and Pakistan. In response, India launched a military operation called "Operation Sindhur," targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Later, Pakistan also launched a counter-operation named "Operation Bunyian Marsus." They claimed to have attacked around 15 locations in India, including some military bases. Pakistan also claimed that it destroyed one of India's Rafale fighter jets. However, India denied these claims and did not issue any official statement.
Ceasefire Proposal and Implementation
Minister Jaishankar said that on May 10, the Pakistani Army made the first move by proposing a ceasefire through a hotline communication. A Pakistani General directly contacted his Indian counterpart to share the proposal. India reviewed the offer and responded positively. According to Jaishankar, international communities were only observers in this matter. They expressed concern but did not act as mediators.
Pakistan Denies Proposing Ceasefire
On the other hand, Pakistan denied that it had proposed the ceasefire first. Pakistani officials claimed that India was unable to handle their military response and requested US President Donald Trump to intervene and suggest a ceasefire.
Role of the United States
S. Jaishankar clarified, "Although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance contacted Indian leaders, their role was limited to discussions only. They did not mediate the situation. There was no mediation from US President Trump either."
India's Stand on Terrorism
In his interview, Jaishankar also repeated India's long-standing concern about Pakistan's use of terrorism as a part of its state policy. He said, "India has every right to strongly respond to terrorism in order to protect its security and sovereignty."
Conclusion
The India-Pakistan ceasefire is a significant step towards reducing tensions between the two countries. Many believe that such efforts can help in building long-term peace. However, the ceasefire happened due to bilateral talks—not international pressure or mediation.