The narrative surrounding the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor has taken a dramatic turn, with conflicting statements emerging from key global leaders. Initially, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to have brokered the peace deal, a claim that has now been directly contradicted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, Trump seems to have shifted his stance.
The core of the issue revolves around the four-day conflict in May, triggered by India's Operation Sindoor in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. After hostilities ceased, Trump repeatedly stated that the U.S. had mediated the ceasefire, even suggesting that he used the leverage of trade to bring the two nations to an agreement. However, this version of events has been firmly refuted by India.
According to India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Prime Minister Modi clarified in a 35-minute phone call with President Trump that the ceasefire was achieved through direct talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, initiated at Pakistan's request. Modi emphasized that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation and would continue to do so, stating there was "no role, no mediation, no trade link" in the India-Pak ceasefire. He also made it clear that India views terrorism not as a proxy war, but as an actual act of war, and that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing.
Adding another layer to the situation, President Trump appears to have adjusted his narrative following his conversation with Prime Minister Modi. While still vaguely claiming to have stopped the war, Trump acknowledged that Modi was influential in stopping it from the Indian side. He told reporters, "Modi stopped the war on India side. I stopped the war on Pakistani side...I love Pakistan. Modi is a fantastic man." He also reiterated his intention to pursue a trade deal with India. Later, Trump shifted his tone further, stating that the "two very smart leaders of India and Pakistan decided not to continue a war that could have turned nuclear."
The timing of these statements is also noteworthy. Trump's initial claims of mediation came before a scheduled meeting with Pakistan's Army chief, General Asim Munir, raising concerns in India about potential shifts in U.S. policy in the region. The contradictory statements have drawn criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the veracity of the claims and the government's handling of the situation.
Despite the conflicting accounts, several points remain clear. First, India maintains its long-standing policy of resolving issues with Pakistan bilaterally, without external mediation. Second, India views cross-border terrorism as a major threat and reserves the right to take action against terrorist groups operating from Pakistani territory. Finally, the U.S. continues to express support for India's fight against terrorism, even amidst the shifting narratives surrounding the ceasefire. The situation remains complex, with potential implications for regional stability and the relationships between the key players involved.
