The Ministry Of External Affairs on Thursday once again rejected the claims of any discussions of trade being held with the United States in the discussions that took place between the two countries since India launched Operation Sindoor on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
While addressing a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “I refer to you the position made clear on 13th May. From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on 7 May, issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of these discussions. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had also clarified it was established directly through DGMOs."
Jaiswal further reiterated that the ceasefire plea came from Islamabad, specifically from Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO), who reached out to his counterpart in Delhi. There was ‘no American intervention during Operation Sindoor’.
In its May 13th briefing, Jaiswal had said that India had a firm stance that it would not give in to nuclear blackmail or allow cross-border terrorism to be conducted invoking it. “In conversations with various countries, we also cautioned that their subscribing to such scenarios could hurt them in their own region," he had said.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump time and again asserted that he had “settled" the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, attributing the resolution to his efforts in pursuing trade agreements with both nations.
The US President has consistently maintained that he played a pivotal role in de-escalating the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Immediately after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan last week, Trump had claimed he mediated between the two nations. Posting on Truth Social, Trump had said, “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Congratulations to both countries on using common sense and great intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
He had also portrayed the ceasefire as a major diplomatic success, stating that he had prevented a potential nuclear war and even envisioned the leaders of India and Pakistan dining together in peace.
However, India has stated that the recent ceasefire with Pakistan was a bilateral agreement, worked out directly between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. India has consistently denied any third-party mediation emphasising that the decision to halt military actions was a result of direct communication between New Delhi and Islamabad and not linked to any trade discussions.
Earlier government sources told media that there was no reference to trade in talks between top leaders of India and the US during the India-Pakistan military conflict. Notably, US Vice President JD Vance spoke to PM Modi on May 9, where trade was not discussed.
