Trump’s unilateral declaration of a U.S.-brokered truce between India and Pakistan has rattled India’s long-held stance against third-party involvement, leaving Indian officials scrambling to manage optics while Pakistan hails a diplomatic win.
BY PC Bureau
A day after India firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate in its conflict with Pakistan, Trump’s abrupt announcement of a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors has landed awkwardly in New Delhi. The declaration threatens to undercut India’s long-standing position that excludes any third-party involvement in bilateral disputes with Pakistan.
On Saturday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE” after overnight talks brokered by the U.S. “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence,” he wrote, calling the outcome a success of American diplomacy.
READ: India Confirms Ceasefire After Trump’s Announcement
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment, praising Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif for their “wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship.” Rubio also noted that both countries had agreed to initiate broader talks at a neutral venue, though no timeline or location was disclosed.
Trump’s announcement follows weeks of escalating violence triggered by a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people, including tourists. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a large-scale retaliatory strike targeting terror bases across the Line of Control. Pakistan denied involvement in the attack but launched counterstrikes, prompting fears of a wider conflict.
READ: Trump: U.S. Brokers Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan
Just a day before Trump’s claim, on May 9, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had publicly dismissed U.S. mediation, urging Washington to instead pressure Pakistan to rein in terrorism. “Pakistan’s actions have constituted provocation and escalation. India has responded in a responsible and measured manner,” Misri said, reinforcing India’s preference for direct bilateral engagement over third-party intervention.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 10, 2025
The contrast between India’s categorical rejection and Trump’s celebratory post has raised eyebrows. While Pakistan quickly confirmed the ceasefire through a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar—who called it a step toward “peace and security in the region”—India’s initial silence created diplomatic ambiguity.
Eventually, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the ceasefire with a carefully worded statement on X (formerly Twitter): “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action.”
Though the message affirmed a ceasefire, it stopped short of acknowledging U.S. involvement, preserving India’s official line on non-interference.
Pakistan’s endorsement of Trump’s claim reflects its openness to international mediation, a stance long at odds with India’s. The issue is deeply rooted in the 1972 Simla Agreement and reaffirmed by the 1999 Lahore Declaration—both of which explicitly commit the two countries to resolve disputes bilaterally.
Diplomatic Tightrope for India
Trump’s unilateral claim risks putting New Delhi in an uncomfortable position. If the ceasefire was indeed the result of U.S. mediation, it could be seen as a softening of India’s sovereign stance on external involvement—especially after a bold military response like Operation Sindoor.
“India’s position has always been clear: no third-party role in India-Pakistan issues,” said Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, a professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs. “Trump’s announcement puts New Delhi in a tough spot, as it risks looking like it ceded ground.”
Some analysts suggest India’s muted response could be a deliberate pause—either to manage domestic political optics or to quietly clarify the terms of any backchannel understanding.
Mixed Reactions on the Ground
In Pakistan, the ceasefire drew cautious optimism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described it in a televised address as “a step toward regional stability,” while reiterating Pakistan’s right to defend its sovereignty. On social media, reactions ranged from hopeful to skeptical. “Trump’s claim is a win for Pakistan’s diplomacy, but let’s see if India honors it,” posted one user on X.
Geopolitical Calculations Behind U.S. Involvement
Trump’s move comes amid criticism of Washington’s waning diplomatic presence in South Asia—underscored by the absence of U.S. ambassadors in both India and Pakistan and scant American media coverage of the crisis. The announcement may represent an attempt to reassert U.S. influence in a region where China continues to expand its strategic footprint.
For India, the diplomatic calculus is complex. Acknowledging the ceasefire risks validating external mediation; rejecting it could reignite tensions or strain ties with Washington. Pakistan, meanwhile, may benefit from the perception of U.S. alignment with its calls for de-escalation and dialogue.
As the world watches for clarity, India’s carefully measured statements suggest a balancing act—one that aims to uphold its diplomatic doctrine while navigating a fragile truce and evolving global dynamics.
