NATIONAL: Trump Repeats Ceasefire Claim, Congress Corners Modi Over Silence
Repetitive Claims from Trump
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has, for the 11th time in just 21 days, reiterated that he was instrumental in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. His statements emphasize that the U.S. acted as a mediator and even used trade negotiations as leverage to bring the nuclear-armed neighbors to a ceasefire understanding.
Congress Seeks Modi’s Stand
Reacting sharply, Congress senior leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued silence on Trump’s assertions. Taking to social media platform X, Ramesh wrote:
“Trump has now repeated the same claim 11 times in 21 days — that he de-escalated conflict between India and Pakistan. His administration claims it used trade as a pressure point. But Narendra Modi, his ‘friend’, has not once responded. Why the silence?”
Trump’s Statement
Trump stated:
“Our machinery mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. We conveyed to both sides that trade expansion was possible only in a peaceful environment. Both responded positively.”
He emphasized that U.S. diplomatic engagement was key in cooling tempers in South Asia, linking peace to economic cooperation.
India Denies Mediation
Contrary to Trump’s repeated assertions, the Indian government has maintained that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan was achieved solely through bilateral mechanisms. Indian officials clarified that communication with U.S. counterparts during “Operation Sindoor” did not involve discussions related to trade or mediation on ceasefire issues.
Political Ramifications
Trump’s insistence and India’s diplomatic denials have reignited debate within Indian political circles. The Congress party is intensifying pressure on the Modi-led government to publicly disown Trump’s version of events and reaffirm India’s long-standing policy of bilateral resolution of conflicts with Pakistan.