Shashi Tharoor Refutes Trump's Claims on India-Pakistan Ceasefire
In the wake of recent statements by the US President claiming a significant role in facilitating the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly clarified India's position. Leading an Indian parliamentary delegation in the United States, Tharoor firmly stated that India did not require external persuasion to halt hostilities, emphasizing that India’s focus remains on development rather than war.
India’s Perspective on the Conflict and Ceasefire
Tharoor highlighted that India has consistently maintained its stance since May 7, when Indian armed forces launched an operation in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that this military action was not the beginning of any war but a targeted retribution against terrorism.
Key points made by Shashi Tharoor include:
- India has no interest in prolonging conflict and does not seek war.
- Respect for the American presidency remains high, but the narrative around ceasefire facilitation differs.
- Pakistan was the party requiring persuasion to stop hostilities, not India.
- India’s priority is development and peace, not conflict escalation.
Tharoor emphasized, "No one needed to persuade India to stop. We had already said to stop. If there was any persuasion by the American president or his senior officials, it would have been on Pakistan. They would have had to be persuaded."
President Trump’s Statement on Avoiding Potential Nuclear Conflict
Earlier, the US President claimed that his intervention prevented a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan following the May 2025 hostilities. He cited the successful cessation of hostilities as a significant achievement of his administration, underscoring the grave risks posed by two nuclear-armed neighbors engaging in conflict. Trump praised the leadership in both countries for agreeing to stop the fighting, which he said prevented further escalation.
Background of India-Pakistan Tensions in 2025
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, that resulted in 26 fatalities. India responded decisively by targeting terror camps linked to the attack on May 7. Subsequent military exchanges included missile and drone strikes initiated by Pakistan, which were rebuffed by Indian defensive actions. India’s retaliatory air strikes on Pakistani airfields preceded a ceasefire agreement on May 10, ending the immediate hostilities.
India affirmed that the ceasefire was established through direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations from both nations, underscoring the official and bilateral nature of the agreement.
Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor’s statements clearly delineate India’s commitment to peace and development, distancing the country from any assertions that external actors were pivotal in ceasing hostilities. The focus remains on addressing terrorism decisively while avoiding escalation into broader conflict.
