Did EAM Jaishankar Successfully Counter Trump's Ceasefire Claims?
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Synopsis
In a compelling fireside chat, EAM S. Jaishankar counters Trump's assertions regarding trade and ceasefire negotiations between India and Pakistan. His firsthand account not only dismisses the claims but also sheds light on the realities of diplomatic interactions during critical times. Discover the truth behind these high-stakes discussions.
Key Takeaways
- EAM S. Jaishankar directly challenged Trump's claims about trade influencing ceasefire discussions.
- The telephone conversation between Modi and Vance was crucial in the timeline of events.
- Operation Sindoor was a response to terrorist attacks.
- Jaishankar highlighted the independence of trade from diplomatic negotiations.
- Firsthand accounts from officials can clarify complex international situations.
New York, July 1 (NationPress) In a detailed account of discussions between New Delhi and Washington, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has refuted assertions made by US President Donald Trump that he utilized trade negotiations to compel India and Pakistan into a ceasefire.
On Monday, he recounted being present with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a phone call from US Vice President J.D. Vance, where no connection between trade and ceasefire was mentioned from India's perspective.
"I can affirm that I was in the room when Vice President Vance communicated with Prime Minister Modi on the evening of May 9, indicating that Pakistan was preparing for a significant assault on India," he explained.
"We did not acquiesce to various demands," he added, "and the Prime Minister was resolute in the face of Pakistan’s threats."
"On the contrary, he (PM Modi) made it clear that we would respond," he elaborated, outlining the sequence of events.
"The Pakistanis executed a substantial attack against us that night, and we reacted swiftly," he recounted.
The following communication with Washington involved EAM Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"The next morning, Mr. Rubio reached out to me to inform that Pakistan was open to discussions," he stated.
Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations, Major General Kashif Abdullah, directly contacted his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, that afternoon to request a ceasefire.
"I can only share what I witnessed firsthand," Jaishankar remarked during a fireside chat with Newsweek's CEO Dev Pragad.
He was prompted to respond to Trump's ongoing remarks asserting he leveraged trade to mediate a ceasefire after the escalation of India's Operation Sindoor in May.
Last Wednesday, at a press conference in The Hague, Trump reiterated, despite India's denials, "I concluded that with a series of phone calls on trade."
"I stated, 'If you’re going to engage in conflict... we are not finalizing any trade agreement,'" he claimed.
They replied, "You need to finalize a trade deal," asserted the US President.
Jaishankar clarified that the events did not unfold as Trump suggested, emphasizing that diplomacy and trade are distinct and operate independently.
"I believe the trade professionals are executing their responsibilities, negotiating with figures and items, and making their trade-offs," he remarked.
"They are exceptionally skilled and highly focused," he added.
Operation Sindoor was initiated by India targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack carried out by The Resistance Front, a group associated with the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Point of View
We prioritize presenting unbiased perspectives. EAM Jaishankar's account offers vital insights into the dynamics of India-US relations and the complexities of geopolitical negotiations, emphasizing the importance of clarity and truth in international diplomacy.
NationPress
01/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did EAM Jaishankar say about Trump's claims?
EAM Jaishankar refuted Trump's claims by stating that there was no linkage between trade negotiations and the ceasefire discussions during talks with US officials.
What was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was initiated by India targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terrorist attack carried out by a group supported by Pakistan.
How did the US President claim to influence India and Pakistan?
President Trump asserted that he used trade negotiations to encourage India and Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire, a claim Jaishankar strongly disputed.
What was India's response to the Pakistani attack?
India responded swiftly to the significant attack launched by Pakistan, as recounted by EAM Jaishankar.
How does Jaishankar view the relationship between trade and diplomacy?
Jaishankar emphasized that trade and diplomacy function independently and should not be conflated.
