Recent talks regarding Operation Sindoor and the follow-up ceasefire between India and Pakistan have generated considerable global interest. It is important, however, to establish that the United States was not involved in India’s military retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Indian officials informed the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs, emphasizing that India had taken independent action to destroy nine terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and managed to counter Islamabad’s missile-drone counterattack successfully.
Pakistan Made Ceasefire Demand After Operation Sindoor
It was Pakistan, contrary to some reports, that made the demand for a ceasefire after India launched precision strikes against its military bases, such as a China-made missile defense facility in Lahore and the strategically located Nur Khan airbase.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs unanimously condemns trolling of Foreign Secy Vikram Misri, praises his work: Sources. pic.twitter.com/n1qqf23VLb
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2025
The Parliamentary Committee, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, was told that Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) phoned his Indian counterpart in the afternoon of May 10 to beg for a halt in hostilities. This effort reflects Pakistan’s recognition of the pressure India has generated through its decisive military action.
Diplomatic Briefing and Regional Implications
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri brought Members of Parliament up to speed regarding the latest diplomatic interaction with Pakistan, the cross-border security issues ongoing since Operation Sindoor, and the larger regional stability implications. The ceasefire agreement, signed on May 12—48 hours after the DGMO’s telephone call—has no ‘expiry date.’ India has agreed to respect the ceasefire without end if Pakistan respects its terms under the agreement.
Rejection of External Mediation and Trump’s Assertions
Despite the confirmed ceasefire, former US President Donald Trump claimed multiple times that his administration influenced Pakistan to seek peace with India, even threatening to withhold American trade to secure the agreement. India issued a firm six-point rebuttal outlining the timeline and factual sequence of events, reaffirming that the ceasefire resulted solely from India and Pakistan’s direct communication.
Yet, Trump continued, saying he “sure as hell helped.” NDTV was assured that no trade concessions were given in return for the truce. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar went on to highlight constant talks over a “complex” agreement, further saying that “nothing is decided till everything is.”
India has also summarily turned down any proposal by the US to facilitate a settlement of the Kashmir issue, asserting that outside intervention is not welcome. Indian officials have invariably demanded that dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir will be initiated only after terrorist networks are destroyed and illegally held Indian land is vacated.
India’s Clear Stand on Sovereignty and Security
India’s strong military action in Operation Sindoor and diplomatic management of the ceasefire exhibit a clear message: India acts independently and forcefully to protect its sovereignty. The narrative that external forces manipulated the ceasefire undercuts India’s strategic autonomy as well as regional leadership.
In the future, India anticipates Pakistan to implement the terms of the ceasefire in its entirety while dismissing any efforts at internationalizing and mediating its bilateral dispute over Kashmir.
