In response to queries in Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly stated that the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was a bilateral decision, dismissing claims of external mediation, particularly those made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The MEA emphasized that the ceasefire was a result of direct contact between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10, 2025.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined the sequence of events, stating that the DGMOs of India and Pakistan worked out the specifics of the understanding during a phone call that commenced at 1535 hours on May 10, 2025. The MEA has made it clear that Pakistan initiated the process by submitting a formal request for the conversation through its High Commission in New Delhi earlier that day at 1237 hrs. The agreement entailed both sides ceasing all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea, effective from 17:00 Indian Standard Time on the same day. Instructions were promptly issued to the respective forces to implement the understanding.
This clarification from the MEA aims to reinforce India's autonomous approach to regional security and dispel any misinterpretations arising from statements suggesting foreign involvement. By asserting that there was no external mediation, New Delhi has reiterated its stance that regional peace, especially concerning Kashmir, must be pursued strictly through bilateral channels between the nations involved. The MEA's statement also indirectly countered claims made by Donald Trump who had stated that the United States had brokered the ceasefire.
The government's statement in Parliament also addressed questions regarding whether the ceasefire was a result of U.S. interference, particularly after India had conducted operations against Pakistan following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir on April 22. The MEA clarified that India had destroyed designated terror camps linked to the attack by May 8, two days before the ceasefire took effect. This action was described as a "focused, measured, and non-escalatory" response, executed with clarity and restraint.
Furthermore, the MEA reaffirmed India's consistent policy of no third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue. It was conveyed that all outstanding issues with Pakistan would be discussed bilaterally, a position that Prime Minister Modi had directly communicated to the U.S. President.
Following the ceasefire announcement, reports emerged of alleged violations by Pakistan. The MEA confirmed these violations and stated that the armed forces were giving an "adequate and appropriate response". New Delhi has taken these violations seriously and called upon Pakistan to address them responsibly.
Despite these initial setbacks, both sides agreed to maintain communication through military channels and hotlines. The DGMOs were scheduled to hold further talks on May 12 to address the situation. The Indian armed forces have been instructed to maintain a strong vigil and deal firmly with any further violations along the International Border and the Line of Control.
The agreement marked a period of de-escalation after a brief period of hostilities, which included mutual targeting of military sites and claims of intercepted projectiles. While the ceasefire brought a halt to military engagements, broader bilateral talks between India and Pakistan are expected to be a challenging process.
