As global media continued to speculate on the role of international diplomacy in the India-Pakistan ceasefire after Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar offered a firm rebuttal. In a candid interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Dr Jaishankar clarified that the ceasefire agreement was the result of India’s military success, not American intervention.
India’s Military Action Forced Ceasefire, Not US Diplomacy
When asked whether the world should thank the United States for halting the India-Pakistan conflict, Dr Jaishankar dismissed the notion, saying the real credit goes to the Indian Armed Forces. “The cessation of firing was agreed between the military commanders of both sides through direct contact,” he said. “The morning before, we effectively hit and incapacitated Pakistan’s main airbases and air defence system.”
He added, “So, who should I thank for the cessation of hostilities? I thank the Indian military, because it was their action that made Pakistan say: ‘We are ready to stop’.”
Operation Sindoor and the Ceasefire Timeline
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. The Indian Air Force conducted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In response, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting military and civilian areas across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. India retaliated with force, targeting military installations deep inside Pakistan, reportedly causing severe damage to key airbases and infrastructure.
By May 10, Pakistan’s military leadership reached out to India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), seeking an end to hostilities. A ceasefire was agreed upon through direct military communication, not diplomatic backchanneling.
US Role Was Limited, Says India
Despite claims by the Trump administration and Pakistan thanking the US for its “facilitation,” India has made it clear that the US did not broker the ceasefire.
In another media interaction, Dr Jaishankar confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had reached out, but their involvement was restricted to expressing concern.
“We told everyone, including the US, that if the Pakistanis want to stop fighting, they need to tell us directly. Their general has to call our general. And that is exactly what happened,” Jaishankar stated.
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A Message to Terrorists and Their Backers
Asked if the ceasefire had returned the situation to normal, Dr Jaishankar asserted that a message had been sent loud and clear. “We have shown terrorists that there is a price to be paid for attacks. The Pakistani military opened fire first; we responded in self-defence. Once they realised their mistake, they sought a ceasefire.”
He confirmed that the situation has remained calm since the agreement took effect and that India’s posture remains defensive yet resolute.
Dismisses Nuclear Conflict Concerns
When asked about the threat of nuclear escalation, Dr Jaishankar expressed surprise. “Very, very far away,” he said, firmly denying that the conflict approached such a level.
“We had clear and calculated targets—terror infrastructure. Our strikes were measured, carefully considered, and designed to avoid escalation,” he added.
Jaishankar criticized the Western narrative that often links South Asian conflicts with nuclear risks. “This kind of thinking encourages dangerous actions like terrorism. The real nuclear threats are more prominent in other regions,” he remarked, possibly alluding to ongoing conflicts in Europe.
Conclusion
S Jaishankar’s India Pakistan ceasefire remarks offer a firm assertion of India’s autonomous defence posture, crediting the nation’s military preparedness and resolve for ending the recent cross-border hostilities. The minister’s strong rebuttal of US mediation claims signals India’s intent to control its own narrative in global diplomacy, especially in sensitive security matters.
The ceasefire stands not as a result of outside intervention, but as a testament to India’s military deterrence and diplomatic clarity in dealing with state-sponsored terrorism.