India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has categorically denied former US President Donald Trump’s accusations about any American engagement in mediating the de-escalation between India and Pakistan during the Pahalgam incident and during Operation Sindoor.
Jaishankar clarified in Parliament that there was “no call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump between April 22 (the date of the Pahalgam attack) and June 17 (the date of the ceasefire),” directly contradicting Trump’s claims of involvement in securing a ceasefire between the two countries.
He insisted that there was no link between trade talks with the US and the present security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jaishankar’s remarks came amid a heated parliamentary debate sparked by Trump’s previous public claims that he played a key role in convincing both Delhi and Islamabad to withdraw from armed conflict—claims Trump made at least 26 times, frequently referring to his alleged use of trade deals as leverage.
The Indian government, on the other hand, has continuously denied such claims, stating that all diplomatic relations with the US during that time were strictly decoupled from problems of military escalation and were purely concerned with trade.
According to Jaishankar, the sole substantive interaction throughout the escalation period was a phone call between Modi and US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, during which Modi reportedly warned of the threat posed by a major Pakistani invasion.
This was followed by a contact from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who relayed that Pakistan was eager to open negotiations, shortly before Pakistan’s military requested a cease-fire. Notably, Jaishankar reiterated that these efforts were unrelated to any US trade negotiations, as claimed by Trump.
The Minister emphasized India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, stating that following the Pahalgam attack, the government needed to draw a clear red line and demonstrate resolve—a message that resonated globally, as evidenced by overwhelming international support for India’s right to self-defense at the United Nations.
Diplomatic censures were issued, the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan was suspended, and cross-party Indian delegations were sent to major nations, notably the United States, to define the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and underline the sovereign right to security.
Jaishankar went on to say that Operation Sindoor was distinguished by “measured” and “non-escalatory” tactics, with a focus on terrorist infrastructure rather than creating a larger military conflict.
He maintained that India’s diplomatic outreach to its global allies conveyed two key messages: zero tolerance for terrorism and an unwavering right to defend its people.
In conclusion, the Indian government maintains that foreign influence, particularly through commerce or mediation attempts, has not dictated its policies or reactions to cross-border terrorism.
The government maintains that resolving ceasefires and security issues is a matter of national sovereignty and is determined by India’s assessment of its own security needs.
