External affairs minister S Jaishankar responded to questions about the role of the US, particularly President Donald Trump’s claims about brokering a truce between India and Pakistan, by clarifying that the May 10 understanding was the result of direct negotiations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (ANI file)
External affairs minister S Jaishankar during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. (ANI file)
In an interview with Dutch public broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar reiterated that the understanding was reached after Indian strikes “compelled the Pakistani military to accept that we need to stop firing at each other”.
He also ruled out any US role in this understanding or in any possible talks with Pakistan.
Jaishankar said US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke to him while vice president JD Vance called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and there were also contacts by leaders of countries in West Asia and other regions aimed at reducing tensions.
“When two countries are engaged in a conflict, it is natural that countries in the world call up and…try to sort of indicate their concern…but the cessation of firing and military action was something which was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan,” he said.
