Breaking Down the News: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal Clarifies India’s Position on Ceasefire, Terrorism, and Foreign Mediation
India’s Ministry of External Affairs held a high-profile press briefing on May 13, 2025, where official spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal addressed intense media scrutiny following the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
The briefing covered India’s position on the recent escalation, the global response, and claims made by former US President Donald Trump.
India-Pakistan Ceasefire: A Bilateral Military Understanding
India categorically denied any foreign role in brokering the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan. The ceasefire was the result of a phone call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries on May 10 at 3:35 PM IST. The Pakistani side initiated the request via their High Commission in Delhi, citing technical difficulties in establishing the hotline.
Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that it was the Indian Armed Forces’ swift and precise military operations—particularly the targeting of Pakistani airbases—that compelled Pakistan to seek de-escalation. “It was the force of Indian arms that brought them to the table,” he said.
Trump’s Mediation Claims Rejected
India rejected former US President Donald Trump’s public assertions that he pressured both countries to stop hostilities and prevented nuclear war. The MEA spokesperson dismissed these as baseless and clarified that there was no trade leverage or US-brokered peace.
Indus Waters Treaty Suspended
In response to a question on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Jaiswal confirmed that India had placed the treaty in abeyance following a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision on April 23. The decision is linked directly to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. He reiterated that unless Pakistan credibly ceases support for terrorism, India will not resume cooperation under the IWT framework.
India’s Military Objectives and Operation Sindoor
The MEA detailed India’s military actions under Operation Sindoor, which included the destruction of key terrorist infrastructure in Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad. Indian airstrikes also degraded Pakistan’s air capabilities. These actions were confined strictly to the conventional military domain, and India strongly denied any nuclear escalation.
The Resistance Front (TRF) and UN Sanctions Push
India reiterated its ongoing diplomatic efforts to get The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba front, listed under the United Nations Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Regime. Jaiswal confirmed that evidence linking TRF to the April 22 Pahalgam attack had already been submitted and further submissions were imminent.
Rejecting Nuclear Blackmail
India dismissed all reports of nuclear activity or leakage in Pakistan as unverified. It warned the international community against falling for Islamabad’s nuclear bluff, reiterating that India will not allow cross-border terrorism to be shielded by nuclear threats. Pakistan’s own Foreign Minister and military establishment had denied nuclear activity, further discrediting these claims.
Drone Activity and Border Tensions Continue
While a ceasefire is technically in place, India acknowledged continued drone activity and intermittent cross-border firing. The MEA deferred to the Ministry of Defence for specific operational updates but confirmed that India’s forces remain vigilant.
Global Support and De-Hyphenation with Pakistan
India underscored that the world now sees Pakistan as the epicenter of terrorism. Global leaders and the UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam attack, recognizing India’s right to respond. Jaiswal dismissed the re-emergence of “India-Pakistan hyphenation” in American political rhetoric, stating that most countries now understand the difference between a state combating terror and one sponsoring it.
Relations with US, China, and Russia
India continues to engage with the United States on defense and security but expressed concern over recent narratives equating India with Pakistan. On China, the MEA noted the supply of Chinese military hardware to Pakistan, a matter that is being watched closely. As for Russia-Ukraine developments, India welcomed President Putin’s proposal for direct talks, reiterating its consistent support for diplomacy and peace.
