By The Sampadak Express
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has firmly stated that the recent understanding between India and Pakistan on cessation of hostilities was achieved through direct, bilateral negotiations, dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that Washington played a role in brokering the truce.
In an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS during his visit to the Netherlands, Jaishankar underlined that the ceasefire agreement came after military-level communication between the two nations, not through any third-party mediation.“
When two countries are in conflict, it’s natural for others to express concern,” Jaishankar said. “But the cessation of firing and military action was directly negotiated between India and Pakistan. We told everyone including the U.S. that if Pakistan wants to stop fighting, they need to tell us directly. Their general needed to call our general, and that’s exactly what happened.”
The ceasefire follows intense cross-border exchanges after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which Jaishankar described as “barbaric.” He revealed that India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan on May 7 in retaliation. Pakistan responded with attempted strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, which were met with strong Indian countermeasures.
On May 10, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced a mutual agreement between India and Pakistan to cease all military actions across land, air, and sea with immediate effect.
Jaishankar clarified that the continuation of Operation Sindoor sends a strong signal. “If terrorists attack again, there will be a response. If they’re in Pakistan, we will hit them where they are,” he asserted. However, he emphasized that continued counterterrorism operations do not equate to active military conflict.
Reaffirming India’s position on dialogue with Pakistan, Jaishankar stated New Delhi is open to talks on issues including terrorism and the return of territories illegally occupied by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing broader strategic concerns, Jaishankar noted that India’s security posture directly supports its economic growth. “Our security challenges are more intense than Europe’s. You don’t choose between security and prosperity they are two sides of the same coin,” he concluded.
Jaishankar’s comments came as part of his diplomatic tour of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.
