Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has strongly refuted US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that he played a mediating role in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking candidly, Tharoor stated, “We don’t need to be persuaded,” highlighting India’s autonomous decision-making and its clear stance from the beginning of the conflict.
Tharoor, who is currently heading an all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor, made it clear that no third-party involvement was required or entertained in the ceasefire discussions. He emphasized that all talks leading to the ceasefire took place directly between India and Pakistan, without any foreign mediation. The delegation, presently in Brazil, is scheduled to travel to the United States next.
In response to Trump’s assertions, Tharoor pointed out that India had made its position very clear from May 7, stating that the country had no interest in escalating the situation or prolonging any form of conflict. “We had consistently conveyed that this was not the beginning of a war. It was simply a targeted retaliation against terrorism, nothing more,” he explained. Tharoor added, “If Pakistan had not reacted aggressively, we wouldn’t have needed to respond either.”
Focus on Development, Not War
While addressing a press interaction in Brazil, Tharoor reiterated India’s long-standing priority: peace and development. “India wants to focus on growth, prosperity, and development—not warfare,” he said. “We respect the institution of the US Presidency and will engage diplomatically with that in mind. However, the reality is that we did not require any pressure or persuasion to pursue peace. That pressure, if any, was needed on Pakistan.”
He underscored that India had already expressed its intent to halt military actions well before any foreign intervention was claimed. “The United States, if it played any role, may have needed to convince Pakistan to step back. But as far as India is concerned, our position was always rooted in peace and a swift end to hostilities,” Tharoor stated firmly.
India Rejects Trump’s Mediation Claim
US President Donald Trump had earlier shared a message on social media, claiming credit for facilitating a ceasefire between the two South Asian neighbors. However, the Indian government quickly responded to reject this claim. According to official sources, it was actually Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) who initiated the call to his Indian counterpart, seeking an end to hostilities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision stemming from direct communication between the two nations’ military leaderships, and not influenced by any external figure or government.
Clear Message to Pakistan
Tharoor also did not mince words in addressing Pakistan’s role in the conflict. He blamed Islamabad for provoking the situation and emphasized that India’s actions were purely in response to terrorist activities originating from Pakistani territory. “Had there been no provocation from Pakistan, India would not have found it necessary to retaliate. Our objective was never war—it was ensuring national security and responding to terror,” he said.
In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s statements highlight India’s firm and independent stance on national security matters. He dismissed any suggestion of US mediation in the ceasefire process, directed clear criticism at Pakistan’s actions, and reaffirmed that India’s focus remains on peaceful development and regional stability.
