Is the US Playing a Role in Indo-Pak Relations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sachin Pilot questions the US' role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire.
- Calls for a special session of Parliament to reaffirm India's claim on Kashmir.
- Critiques the government's silence on US assertions regarding Kashmir.
- Stresses the need for political unity against terrorism.
- Raises concerns about the ceasefire's credibility based on Pakistan's history.
Jaipur, May 14 (NationPress) Prominent Congress figure Sachin Pilot has expressed serious concerns regarding the alleged understanding between India and Pakistan that resulted in a halt to Operation Sindoor. He is questioning the United States' role in this development.
He has demanded a transparent explanation from the highest levels of the Indian government regarding the involvement of a third party in what he describes as an internal matter.
"Is the ceasefire a result of increasing trade ties with the US, which President Donald Trump has openly supported? Or has India quietly accepted third-party mediation in Kashmir?" Pilot queried, emphasizing that, "The government must clarify its stance."
Reiterating India's claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pilot advocated for a special session of Parliament to reaffirm the 1974 resolution that declared PoK an integral part of India and reserved legislative seats for it.
"Given recent developments, it's crucial to convey a unified message to the world. Reaffirming the 1974 resolution through Parliament would demonstrate that all Indians are united regarding Kashmir," he stated.
Pilot also criticized the central government for its silence on public statements from the United States regarding its involvement in the ceasefire.
"This marks the first time a third-party nation like the US has claimed direct involvement in the Kashmir issue, yet our top leadership has not issued any formal response. This silence is deeply concerning," he remarked.
Speaking to the press, Pilot noted, "President Trump has taken credit for mediating the ceasefire. What's alarming is the absence of any denial or clarification from our senior leadership. Even more troubling is that US statements have overlooked any mention of terrorism—our primary concern with Pakistan—and instead focused on Kashmir."
He expressed worry that Kashmir is once again being internationalized, which aligns with Pakistan's longstanding narrative.
Pointing to previous occasions when Trump brought up Kashmir during discussions on terrorism, Pilot remarked, "This is a moment for political unity. We must reaffirm our commitment to India's territorial integrity and demonstrate that all 140 crore Indians are united in the battle against terrorism."
Pilot questioned the credibility of the ceasefire, highlighting that Pakistan violated it on the very day it was announced.
"How can we trust a nation that has consistently harbored terrorists, including Osama bin Laden? Pakistan's history speaks volumes. It must be globally recognized as a sponsor of terror," he said, urging the government to present evidence internationally.
He also raised concerns about international financial aid to Pakistan. "Has India received any assurances that IMF funds won’t be misused to shelter or finance terrorists? Such guarantees are vital before agreeing to any ceasefire," he insisted.
Expressing support for the armed forces, Pilot stated that Operation Sindoor must continue, but the government needs to explain why a ceasefire—facilitated by an external power—was agreed to in such an unclear manner.
"Just a few years back, India was being compared to China in terms of economic and military strength. Now, we find ourselves once again grouped with Pakistan. This is unacceptable," he concluded.