India Rebuts Trump&rsquo;s Ceasefire Claim, Reaffirms Autonomy in Strategic Decisions
In a pointed rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's assertion that Washington brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in exchange for trade concessions, New Delhi has categorically denied any such linkage, reaffirming the independence of its diplomatic and military decision-making.
Responding to media queries on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that while there was communication between Indian and US leadership during the military standoff earlier this month, trade did not feature in any of the discussions.
&ldquo;From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on 7 May until the mutual understanding to cease military action on 10 May, Indian and US leaders remained in contact regarding the evolving security situation. At no point was trade discussed,&rdquo; the MEA stated.
President Trump had claimed that his administration intervened to prevent a potential nuclear escalation, taking credit for what he termed a "full and immediate ceasefire" between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He went further to suggest that both countries were warned of losing access to US trade if they failed to de-escalate.
In a carefully worded clarification, the MEA underscored that the ceasefire understanding was achieved through direct communication between India and Pakistan. &ldquo;The specific date, time, and language of the ceasefire were mutually agreed during a telephonic conversation between the two countries&rsquo; Directors General of Military Operations on 10 May, beginning at 3:35 pm,&rdquo; it noted, citing an earlier statement by the Foreign Secretary.
New Delhi&rsquo;s response highlights its discomfort with external attempts to claim influence over its regional calculus, particularly in the sensitive domain of India-Pakistan relations.
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with USA President Donald Trump (file photo)

MEA rebuffs US President's assertion, says ceasefire talks excluded any trade discussions

India Denies Trump’s Ceasefire-for-Trade Claim

MEA rebuffs US President's assertion, says ceasefire talks excluded any trade discussions

May 14, 2025 | 07:05 IST