Jaishankar Clarifies India-Pakistan Ceasefire: No Mediation, Direct Talks Led to Agreement:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, highlighted that India and Pakistan have a direct means of communication, including a military hotline, and do not seek outside assistance to manage their tensions. He provided these insights during a conversation with NOS reporter Sander van Hoorn while still in the Netherlands and amidst the discourse regarding Operation Sindoor and the recent ceasefire.

The minister further provides context regarding the most recent escalation, explaining that it came from a terrorist attack in Pahalgam where 26 tourists, along with their families, were brutally executed based on their perceived religious affiliation. His view of the attack is that it was not only aimed at damaging the tourism sector but also at exacerbating civil strife.

Ceasefire Was a Bilateral Understanding

After former US President Donald Trump made claims regarding his involvement in bringing about a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, Jaishankar set the record straight: ‘The ceasefire was an understanding between India and Pakistan only. It was not brokered by a third party’. He noted that “SINDOOR 23,” as he referred to it, “created quite a buzz globally.”.

The international community began to notice the operation which occurred between May 7 and 10. For his part, Jaishankar did not shy elaborating that any appeal from Pakistan to ceasefire would be made toward India directly.

On U.S. Involvement
While answering a question regarding the role the United States played, his response had pieces of sarcasm, “The US was in the United States.” He gave further clarification stating that ‘sundry’ American officials, including Vance and Rubio, Networked with both Indian and Pakistani officials and that there was equal involvement from other countries, which is quite common in such scenarios. “When two countries are involved, it is instinctive that other countries call,” he stated.

Ceasefire Reached via Military Hotlines
The ceasefire was reached after Pakistani DGMO personally called his Indian counterpart on May 10, asking to suspend military activities along the Line of Control and International Border.

Jaishankar confirmed that the medium of communication is already in place and functioning. “We are able to speak. Sustained engagement does not equate to firing — there is talk going on,” he rationalized.