In a decisive rebuttal to repeated claims made by US President Donald Trump, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has publicly denied the assertion that trade pressure from the US led India and Pakistan to agree on a ceasefire. The Minister’s comments came during an exclusive interview with Newsweek in New York, where he provided a firsthand account of the sequence of diplomatic and military events that unfolded between May 9 and May 10, 2025.

Trump’s Claims and India’s Response

President Trump has, on multiple occasions, claimed that his administration used trade as leverage to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. However, India has consistently denied any such mediation or intervention, stating that its response was sovereign and strategic, based entirely on its national security priorities.

In his interview, Jaishankar set the record straight, stating:

“I was in the room when Vice President JD Vance spoke to Prime Minister Modi on the night of May 9. There was no mention of linking trade with a ceasefire.”

Timeline of Events – From Attack to Ceasefire

Jaishankar detailed the critical hours following a massive cross-border military attack launched by Pakistan on the night of May 9, 2025.

“The Pakistanis did attack us massively that night, and we responded very quickly,” Jaishankar said, emphasizing the swift and decisive actions taken by the Indian Armed Forces.

Later, on the morning of May 10, Jaishankar received a call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who informed him that Pakistan was ready to talk. That same afternoon, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Major General Kashif Abdullah, directly contacted India’s DGMO, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, requesting a ceasefire.

Jaishankar emphasized:

“So, I can only tell you from my personal experience what happened.”

This clearly contradicts Trump’s repeated narrative, which claims that the ceasefire was the result of US diplomatic trade pressure on both nations.

Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor

Shifting focus to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, Jaishankar strongly condemned the act, calling it “an act of economic warfare.” He highlighted how the attack targeted tourism, one of the mainstays of Kashmir’s economy, and was aimed at provoking religious tensions.

“It was meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir... and provoke religious violence because people were asked to identify their faith before they were killed,” he stated.

This attack, orchestrated by the Resistance Front, a group linked to the Pakistan-supported Lashkar-e-Taiba, triggered India’s Operation Sindoor—a military campaign aimed at neutralizing terrorist bases across the border.

India’s Stance Against Nuclear Blackmail

Reinforcing India’s firm national security doctrine, Jaishankar made it clear that India does not believe in yielding to nuclear blackmail.

“We are not going to yield to nuclear blackmail... that there could be escalation, and therefore we should not do anything,” he said.

This statement marks a strong signal to both Islamabad and international stakeholders that India reserves the right to defend its sovereignty regardless of nuclear posturing or foreign diplomatic narratives.

Ceasefire Based on Indian Strength, Not External Pressure

The events surrounding the ceasefire clearly demonstrate that it was not the result of any external mediation, but a calculated and strategic Indian military and diplomatic response. According to Jaishankar:

• India acted decisively in response to Pakistan’s aggression

• Washington was informed after India had already initiated retaliatory measures

• The ceasefire was requested by Pakistan, not brokered by any third-party power

US Role Limited to Post-Attack Communication

The only communication from the US prior to the retaliatory strike was from Vice President JD Vance, warning India of an impending Pakistani attack. No offers of mediation or linkage to trade were part of this exchange.

Subsequent contacts with Secretary of State Marco Rubio were after India had already taken military action, and only then did Pakistan seek a ceasefire.

Political Implications

Jaishankar’s detailed rebuttal may have diplomatic consequences, particularly given that Trump continues to publicly assert his role in diffusing India-Pakistan tensions. The Indian government’s consistent denial and the Minister’s eyewitness account put a question mark on the veracity of Trump’s claims.

The Indian response showcases a sovereign decision-making process, where national interests and strategic calculations—not foreign pressure—drive military and diplomatic responses.

A Message to Terrorists and Their Sponsors

Jaishankar’s statements are also a clear message to terrorist networks and their state sponsors, affirming that India will not hesitate to respond militarily and will challenge safe havens across the border.

“The idea that terrorists are on the other side of the border, and therefore safe from retribution, is a proposition that needs to be challenged—and that’s what we did,” he stated unequivocally.

Conclusion

The detailed account by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar unequivocally dismisses the narrative being pushed by US President Donald Trump, and affirms India’s sovereign approach to national security and counterterrorism.

India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam attack, were a direct response to Pakistan’s military aggression and terrorist support, not a result of any foreign intervention or mediation.

As global leaders attempt to position themselves as peace brokers in regional conflicts, Jaishankar’s candid remarks serve as a reminder that India’s actions are based on facts, ground realities, and its own national priorities—not political claims made overseas.

With this firm stance, India reasserts its place as a decisive, independent power, unwilling to be swayed by diplomatic narratives that dilute its sovereignty. The truth, as stated by those in the room, paints a very different picture than what’s being projected internationally.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Anthem Biosciences, Chemkart India, Meta Infotech, Happy Square Outsourcing Services, Cryogenic OGS, Crizac, .

The Current active IPO are Silky Overseas, Vandan Foods, Pushpa Jewellers, Cedaar Textile, Marc Loire Fashions, Neetu Yoshi, Adcounty Media India.

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.