New Delhi, May 14 — In a firm and measured statement, the Government of India has put to rest speculation surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of having brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated on Tuesday that the recent cessation of hostilities was the result of direct and decisive action by Indian forces, and the subsequent understanding was strictly bilateral.
Responding to media queries, MEA emphasized that India’s position on Jammu & Kashmir remains unchanged — any matters concerning the Union Territory will be addressed only between India and Pakistan, without third-party mediation. This has been India’s long-standing and consistent policy, rooted in sovereignty and regional responsibility.
The government also responded to Trump’s dramatic claims of threatening trade with India and Pakistan to bring about a ceasefire, saying that the issue of trade was never mentioned in diplomatic conversations during the period of military operations, codenamed Operation Sindoor. Between May 7 and May 10 — the timeline of the military escalation and subsequent de-escalation — Indian and U.S. leaders were in contact, but trade did not feature in any of these talks.
Addressing concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear posturing, the government clarified that India’s actions remained entirely within the conventional military domain. The suggestion that a nuclear crisis was averted, officials stressed, was an exaggeration. India also took the opportunity to caution international partners against being misled by Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric, which often masks cross-border aggression.
Recalling the events of May 10, the day when Indian Air Force carried out targeted operations on multiple Pakistani airbases, the MEA explained that it was this military pressure that compelled Pakistan to reach out for a de-escalation. A request from the Pakistani High Commission for a hotline conversation between Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) was received at 12:37 PM. The call was finally held at 3:35 PM after some initial technical delays from the Pakistani side.
India emphasized that the timing and terms of the ceasefire were decided directly between the two militaries — a reminder that it was not diplomacy, but India’s assertive military response that brought Pakistan to the negotiation table.
Speaking to the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored that India’s retaliatory action was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack and was focused on dismantling terror infrastructure. The Indian forces had made it clear — if Pakistan initiated fire, India would respond with full force; if Pakistan ceased fire, India would match it.
The statement from the MEA serves as a reminder of India’s firm stance on national security, while also reflecting a restrained and responsible approach to regional peace. It was not grandstanding or international pressure, but clear resolve and calibrated strength that brought an end to this round of hostilities.
