In the wake of Operation Sindoor and heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the United States claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between the two nations by offering increased trade. However, sources within the Indian government have refuted these claims, stating that trade was not a topic of discussion during recent talks with US officials.
According to these sources, US representatives, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, engaged in conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on multiple occasions. These discussions primarily focused on the tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted by India targeting alleged terror camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Despite the US officials' involvement, the Indian side maintains that trade was never brought up as a condition or incentive.
"After Operation Sindoor commenced, US Vice President JD Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on May 9. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio spoke to EAM Dr S Jaishankar on May 8 and 10 and to NSA Doval on May 10. There was no reference to trade in any of these discussions," a source stated.
The US, even before India and Pakistan, declared a ceasefire between the two countries. However, India has characterized this as an "understanding" reached directly between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. Indian officials have emphasized that the arrangement was negotiated bilaterally, in line with India's long-standing position that all issues with Pakistan should be resolved through direct dialogue. This stance rejects any suggestion of international facilitation or talks in a third country. "There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place," a senior official clarified.
These statements come in response to claims made by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the promise of increased trade was instrumental in achieving the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. India has subtly pushed back against these claims, with sources emphasizing the direct communication and understanding established between New Delhi and Islamabad.
The Indian government's rebuttal underscores its commitment to resolving issues with Pakistan bilaterally, without external intervention or conditions. It also highlights a divergence in perspectives between the US and India regarding the nature and scope of their recent diplomatic engagements following Operation Sindoor. While the US seems to be portraying a more active role in de-escalating tensions through trade incentives, India is keen to maintain that the ceasefire was a result of direct negotiations and a bilateral understanding.
