Amsterdam [Netherlands]: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has confirmed that the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was directly negotiated between the two nations, with no mediation involved. He stated that India made it clear to all international interlocutors, including the United States, that if Pakistan wanted to stop the firing, it had to directly communicate that intent to the Indian military.
In an interview with Netherlands-based broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar revealed that Pakistan initiated the ceasefire request through a military hotline on May 10, and India responded accordingly.
“On May 10, it was the Pakistani army which sent a message that they were ready to stop firing, and we responded accordingly,” Jaishankar said.
International Involvement Acknowledged, But No Mediation
Jaishankar acknowledged that global leaders, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, spoke to Indian leadership to express concern, but emphasized that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision.
“They were talking to us, and they were talking to the Pakistani side, as were some countries from the Gulf. But we were clear — if Pakistan wants to stop firing, they need to tell us. Their general must call our general — and that is exactly what happened,” he said.
Operation Sindoor and India’s New Strategic Posture
The ceasefire followed India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India responded by targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoJK, all of which are listed by the United Nations as locations linked to terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).
“These were not random targets. These were places where terrorists live, work, and operate from, according to the UN list,” Jaishankar clarified.
Following Pakistan’s retaliatory military actions, including cross-border shelling and drone attacks, India escalated the offensive. On May 10, Indian forces disabled eight Pakistani airbases, hitting runways, command centres, and air defence systems, especially near Rawalpindi, rendering many facilities non-operational.
“That day was decisive. It forced the Pakistani military to accept the need to stop firing,” he said.
Ceasefire Holding, But Operation Sindoor Continues
Jaishankar noted that while active firing has ceased, Operation Sindoor remains ongoing to signal India’s new posture — one that ensures firm retaliation against any future terror attacks.
“The operation continues because the message continues. If there’s another attack like April 22, there will be a response. We will hit terrorists where they are — even if that’s inside Pakistan,” he said.
“But continuing the operation is not the same as exchanging fire. Right now, there is an agreed cessation of firing and military action.”
A Shift in Doctrine
The remarks reflect a clear departure from India’s previous strategic restraint, reinforcing the Modi government’s policy of decisive response to terror attacks originating across the border.
“Our government is very clear — if there is an attack, there will be a response. Maybe that wasn’t the case with earlier governments, but this is our policy,” Jaishankar asserted.