Pakistan realised India was indeed serious and sought cessation of hostilities after the latter destroyed eight of its air bases in a massive counteroffensive, PTI reported citing government sources.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was contacted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who conveyed that Pakistan got a clear message after being hit by a barrage of Indian missiles, the sources said, adding that there was no need for third-party mediation.
These remarks, the sources added, undercut US President Donald Trump’s assertion that it was their mediation that brokered a truce between India and Pakistan.
India and Pakistan reached a consensus to observe a complete ceasefire, which was officially announced from both sides on Saturday. Trump, however, claimed credit for the move and was the first person to announce the agreement, asserting that the United States was working to push it through.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump’s claims to have contributed to the peace deal were merely an exaggeration and the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan reached the understanding, with no third party involved, the aforementioned sources said. India’s tri-services officials later validated India’s stance in a press conference, saying that Pakistan reached out to the Indian side, requesting the DGMO to stop the hostilities.
On the night of May 9 and 10, Pakistan launched strikes targeting India’s defence installations across the northern and western regions of the country. Responding to this, India initiated a large-scale military operation against Pakistan, striking multiple air force bases and key military establishments with precision missile attacks. Faced with the overwhelming retaliation, Pakistan was soon compelled to appeal for peace, according to the source.