Did Trump Really Broker an 'Understanding'? Jaishankar's Remarks on 'Operation Sindoor' Misinterpreted?

New Delhi, May 19 (NationPress) In a private briefing to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that India did not target Pakistan's nuclear infrastructure during Operation Sindoor. Sources from the meeting indicated that the government emphasized that the operation was strictly conventional, with no nuclear threats or signaling from Pakistan amid the recent military tensions.

This briefing was conducted in light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor, aimed at terror infrastructure across the Line of Control. The committee, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, probed the Foreign Secretary on various strategic aspects of the operation.

When questioned about potential aircraft losses during the operation, the government maintained that such information is classified and cannot be disclosed.

Committee members also sought clarification on a social media post by US President Donald Trump, who suggested his involvement helped facilitate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The government categorically rejected this notion, asserting that the ceasefire was a mutual decision made by New Delhi and Islamabad. According to Misri, Trump did not coordinate with India or acquire permission for his public statements. The panel was informed, "He merely wanted to be in the limelight."

Questions were raised about External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's earlier comments, which some interpreted as conflicting with the government's military stance. The Foreign Secretary clarified that the minister's remarks pertained specifically to the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, during which India executed strikes on nine terror camps on the night of May 6-7. Misri indicated that Pakistan was informed of these strikes post-factum, and that Jaishankar's statement had been misconstrued.

Sources further disclosed that the committee unanimously condemned remarks aimed at Foreign Secretary Misri and his family, expressing full support for him and commending his handling of a delicate situation.

During the meeting, Misri provided a candid evaluation of India's diplomatic relationship with Pakistan, stating that ties have remained strained since 1947 and are unlikely to improve in the near future. Additionally, he remarked on India’s historical lack of strong relations with Turkey, noting that Ankara's position during the recent crisis bore little trade or diplomatic significance.

The committee was informed that communication channels between the military leadership of India and Pakistan, especially at the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) level, remained open and functional throughout the crisis, proving essential in preventing further escalation and stabilizing the post-strike situation.