External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has officially confirmed that the recent ceasefire and de-escalation of military tensions between India and Pakistan were directly negotiated by the two countries, without any third-party mediation. This announcement came in an exclusive interview with the Netherlands-based broadcaster NOS, where Jaishankar clarified the process behind the cessation of hostilities following the Operation Sindoor military response.

The backdrop to this diplomatic development is the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent civilians were killed by terrorists who brutally removed the sindoor (vermilion) from Hindu women’s foreheads, sparking nationwide outrage. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive and swift retaliation targeting multiple terror hideouts across the Line of Control. The operation sent a clear message that India would not tolerate acts of terror against its citizens.

Jaishankar noted that amidst the rising tensions, senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, reached out to Indian leadership. Rubio spoke directly with Jaishankar, while Vance contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While such diplomatic engagement from the US and other countries, including some Gulf nations, was expected, India remained firm that any resolution to the hostilities would depend solely on direct military communication between India and Pakistan.

Indeed, the External Affairs Minister revealed that the Pakistani army initiated the ceasefire via the official military hotline on May 10, signaling their readiness to stop firing. India responded positively, leading to the agreed cessation of hostilities. This hotline communication mechanism between the two militaries has existed for years, serving as a critical channel to manage conflicts and prevent escalation.

Further, Jaishankar emphasized that India targeted only terrorist sites listed by the United Nations, and he personally showed the UN sanctions list to the interviewer to highlight India’s measured and lawful approach. The terrorist group behind the Pahalgam attack was identified as The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be a proxy created by the notorious terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has repeatedly informed the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee about TRF’s activities in recent years, urging the international community to recognize and act against such groups.

The military escalation saw Pakistan retaliate with cross-border shelling and drone attacks targeting Indian border regions, followed by India’s coordinated strikes damaging Pakistan’s radar, communication centers, and airfields on May 10. These strikes, part of Operation Sindoor, effectively weakened Pakistan’s operational capacity, leading to Pakistan’s acceptance of ceasefire negotiations.

Jaishankar also underscored the continuing vigilance of the Indian government: Operation Sindoor will persist as a deterrent and counter-terrorism measure. India has made it clear that any future terror attacks similar to Pahalgam will be met with swift retaliation targeting terrorist infrastructure, irrespective of location. However, the current ceasefire means there is an agreed halt to firing and open military action between the two sides for now.

The External Affairs Minister’s statements provide a transparent view of India’s strategic and diplomatic approach amid the fraught India-Pakistan relationship. By insisting on direct military communication for ceasefire and maintaining pressure on terror networks, India reinforces its firm stance on sovereignty and security while engaging responsibly with the international community.

This development marks an important moment in the India-Pakistan conflict — demonstrating that despite external diplomatic efforts, the resolution and management of tensions ultimately depend on direct dialogue and clear signaling between the involved parties.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Neptune Petrochemicals, Aegis Vopak Terminals, Schloss Bangalore, Astonea Labs, Nikita Papers, Prostarm Info Systems, Victory Electric Vehicles International, Blue Water Logistics, Wagons Learning.

The Current active IPO are Unified Data - Tech Solutions, Dar Credit and Capital, Belrise Industries, Borana Weaves.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.