The North News
New Delhi, May 22
External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, has dismissed claims that the recent conflict between India and Pakistan was brokered by the United States or any other external power. Speaking to the Dutch broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar stressed that the ceasefire was the outcome of a direct bilateral agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad, reflecting a pragmatic approach to easing regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated his assertion that he was instrumental in halting hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, attributing the de-escalation to his personal diplomatic efforts and ongoing trade negotiations. The escalation followed a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed 26 lives. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror-related sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terrorists were eliminated during the operation, according to media reports.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s longstanding position that Pakistan sponsors terrorism as an instrument of state policy. “I am not suggesting state support for terrorist groups in Pakistan — I am stating it,” he said. “If military training camps were located in a major city like Amsterdam, would the government be unaware? Certainly not,” he added.
Jaishankar also addressed India’s ambitions for reform of the United Nations Security Council, underscoring New Delhi’s aspirations for a permanent seat. “If meaningful reform is achieved, we anticipate broad support for India’s claim,” he stated.
In response to questions regarding India’s foreign policy stance on conflicts such as Gaza, Jaishankar emphasised that New Delhi follows an independent course aligned with national interests and character. “Why doesn’t Europe behave more like us? That could be beneficial,” he remarked pointedly.
On the subject of sanctions, Jaishankar clarified India’s reluctance to participate in Western-led sanction regimes. “Sanction culture is a Western method of international relations. India does not subscribe to national sanctions,” he said.
