Introduction
In a sharply worded response to US President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States “mediated” the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Congress MP and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor pulled no punches. He dismissed the claim, stating that what occurred was not mediation, but rather a constructive diplomatic role—one that many countries played during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict following Operation Sindoor.
1. “Let Me Be Blunt About It”: Mediation Was Not Requested
Tharoor made it clear in an NDTV interview that India had not sought any mediation from the United States. Conversations took place, but they were part of standard diplomatic engagement—not third-party mediation. His statement: “Let me be blunt about it… this was not mediation.”
2. The US Played a Constructive Role—Not a Mediator
Tharoor acknowledged that the US, like several other nations, had been in touch with both India and Pakistan. He noted that such diplomatic outreach is common during international conflicts but reiterated that it doesn’t equate to formal mediation.
3. India Is Capable of Handling Its Own Conflicts
The former UN diplomat underlined India’s long-held position: no foreign mediation is welcome in bilateral issues. Especially regarding national security and territorial sovereignty like Kashmir, India’s stance is clear—it does not accept third-party involvement.
4. Trump’s Statement Undermines Diplomatic Norms
Tharoor criticized Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, calling it “an unfortunate way of proceeding.” He emphasized that announcing international diplomatic outcomes on social media before official confirmations violates protocol and damages credibility.
5. The Ceasefire Was India-Led, Not US-Brokered
The ceasefire followed intense fighting after India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian forces carried out precision strikes on Pakistani targets, forcing Islamabad to seek a halt in escalation. Trump’s attempt to claim credit, Tharoor implied, oversimplifies the complexities and undermines India’s strategic leadership.
International Reactions and India’s Response
While Trump offered to work on a “solution” to the Kashmir issue, India reiterated its consistent position: Kashmir is an internal matter. There has been no official response from the Indian government to Trump’s mediation claim, but Tharoor’s blunt statements reflect the Indian diplomatic community’s clear stance.
Conclusion
Shashi Tharoor’s takedown of Trump’s self-congratulatory ceasefire claim reaffirms India’s independent foreign policy. As the dust settles on the India-Pakistan conflict, one message is loud and clear: India’s diplomacy and defence remain sovereign and uncompromised.
Read More: India’s BrahMos Strikes Changed the War Game
External Source: Truth Social – Donald Trump’s Statement