India Denies U.S. Mediation as Pakistan Credits Trump for Ceasefire Breakthrough

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — May 20, 2025 — A recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan has sparked divergent narratives, with Islamabad lauding U.S. President Donald Trump's mediation efforts, while New Delhi insists the truce was a bilateral decision devoid of external influence.

Pakistan Applauds U.S. Intervention

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for his "leadership and proactive role" in facilitating the ceasefire, emphasizing the U.S.'s contribution to regional peace and stability. Sharif also acknowledged the efforts of Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the diplomatic process. 

The ceasefire, announced on May 10, followed intense military exchanges that included missile strikes and aerial combat, raising fears of a potential nuclear confrontation. President Trump declared the cessation of hostilities via his social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting the U.S.'s role in averting a larger conflict.

India Asserts Bilateral Nature of Ceasefire

Contrasting Pakistan's stance, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the ceasefire was a mutual decision between India and Pakistan, with no third-party involvement. Misri emphasized that India's actions were in response to provocations and aligned with national interests, denying any external mediation. 

Indian officials have maintained that their military operations, dubbed "Operation Sindhoor," were targeted strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian tourists. 

Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos: Pakistan's Retaliation

In response to India's actions, Pakistan launched "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos," a large-scale military operation targeting Indian military installations. According to Pakistani sources, the operation resulted in the destruction of multiple Indian airbases, missile depots, and defense systems, including the BrahMos missile storage facility in Beas and the S-400 air defense system at Adampur. 

Pakistan's military also reported the downing of five Indian fighter jets and the interception of numerous drones and missiles. The operation was portrayed as a measured yet resolute response to Indian aggression.

International Reactions and Regional Implications

The ceasefire has been welcomed by several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkiye, all of whom expressed support for the de-escalation and urged both nations to engage in direct dialogue to resolve longstanding issues. 

Analysts, however, caution that while the ceasefire has temporarily halted hostilities, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The divergent narratives from India and Pakistan regarding the role of the U.S. in the ceasefire highlight the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in South Asia.

FAQs:

1. What led to the recent India-Pakistan conflict?
   The conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants and launched retaliatory strikes, leading to escalated military exchanges.

2. What is Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos?
   It is the name given by Pakistan to its retaliatory military operation against Indian targets, aiming to neutralize threats and demonstrate military readiness.

3. Did the U.S. mediate the ceasefire between India and Pakistan?
   Pakistan credits the U.S., particularly President Trump, for mediating the ceasefire, while India maintains it was a bilateral decision without external involvement.

4. What were the key targets in Pakistan's Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos?
   Targets included Indian airbases, missile depots, and defense systems such as the BrahMos storage facility and S-400 air defense systems.

5. How did India respond to Pakistan's claims?
   India has downplayed Pakistan's claims, asserting that their military operations were targeted and that the ceasefire was a mutual decision.

6. What role did regional powers play in the ceasefire?
   Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkiye welcomed the ceasefire and encouraged both nations to pursue dialogue for lasting peace.

7. What is the significance of the differing narratives between India and Pakistan?
   The contrasting accounts reflect the deep-seated mistrust and differing perspectives on international involvement in bilateral issues.

8. Has the ceasefire led to any diplomatic talks?
   While the ceasefire has been established, formal diplomatic talks have yet to be announced, and tensions remain high.

9. What is Operation Sindhoor?
   Operation Sindhoor was India's military operation targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, following the Pahalgam attack.

10. What are the prospects for lasting peace between India and Pakistan?
    While the ceasefire provides a temporary halt to hostilities, lasting peace will require sustained diplomatic efforts and resolution of core issues.

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