“The US Was in the United States”: Jaishankar Shuts Down Trump’s Mediation Claim, Reinforces India's New Security Doctrine Post-Operation Sindoor
In a rare and strongly worded post-conflict interview, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar dismantled recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump regarding Washington's role in the India-Pakistan ceasefire. In an exclusive with Dutch public broadcaster NOS, Jaishankar not only clarified the diplomatic landscape surrounding Operation Sindoor but also outlined India’s assertive new doctrine on cross-border terrorism, bilateral engagement, and national sovereignty.
His message was unambiguous: India’s decisions in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack were shaped neither by external persuasion nor by diplomatic pressure, but by its own military priorities and national will.
“The US was in the United States,” Jaishankar stated pointedly, when asked if the White House had brokered a ceasefire.
“We made it clear—if Pakistan wants to stop firing, they must inform us directly. That’s exactly what happened. Their general called ours.”
Operation Sindoor: A Tactical, Diplomatic, and Strategic Pivot
On April 22, terrorists launched a brutal attack in Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians. India retaliated under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror dens across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a coordinated and calibrated military response.
What made the operation historically significant was not just the military precision, but the bold shift in India’s messaging. For the first time, New Delhi publicly embraced a three-pronged security doctrine:
- Surgical Response to Terror: Any attack on Indian soil will be met with direct retaliation at a time and place of India’s choosing.
- No Blackmail by Nukes: India will no longer be deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear bluff.
- One Rule for All: State and non-state actors, as well as their patrons, will be treated as one under India's retaliatory framework.
This messaging was echoed earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address from Bikaner, where he declared that “those who tried to wipe the sindoor of our daughters have been razed to the ground.”
Jaishankar’s statements now bring the diplomatic dimensions of this new doctrine into the global spotlight.
Ceasefire Was Military-to-Military, Not US-Brokered
In his interview with NOS journalist Sander van Hoorn, Jaishankar recounted how the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was not orchestrated in Washington, Brussels, or Geneva—but via a hotline between army commanders in India and Pakistan.
“People spoke to us—Americans, Europeans, others. But we told all of them: If the Pakistanis want to stop firing, they must say so. Their general has to call our general. That’s how it happened.”
This direct military contact occurred on May 10, just hours after India neutralized eight Pakistani airbases in response to retaliatory firing from across the border. These bases were used as operational hubs by Pakistan’s military and terror proxies.
Jaishankar revealed that Indian airstrikes rendered these airbases "non-functional," effectively cornering the Pakistani military and leaving them with no choice but to request a cessation of hostilities.
Why the Government Chose Silence Until Now
When asked why he was speaking only now—weeks after the military escalation—Jaishankar responded with characteristic discipline.
“I had a job to do at home. There’s a discipline we follow. Our official spokespersons communicated in the interim. Now is the time to provide clarity.”
India’s foreign policy and national security strategy have increasingly adopted a doctrine of "silent strength"—letting action speak louder than words. While the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and military briefed the press periodically, key cabinet ministers including Jaishankar remained focused on internal coordination.
The Strategic Message Behind the Operation
Jaishankar emphasized that Operation Sindoor is not a one-off retaliation but a template for the future.
“If there is another attack, our response will follow. Terrorists will be hit. If they are in Pakistan, they will be hit there.”
He clarified that the military operation continues in terms of vigilance, surveillance, and neutralization of emerging threats. However, kinetic exchanges have paused as of now due to Pakistani de-escalation.
“Right now, there is no firing. There has been some repositioning, but active hostilities have ceased,” he confirmed.
This marks a significant evolution in India’s approach to Pakistan—from reactive defense to proactive deterrence, aimed at systemic dismantling of terror networks rather than symbolic retaliation.
On Trump’s Kashmir Mediation Remarks: “No Country Negotiates Territory”
Jaishankar was unflinching when questioned about Donald Trump’s revival of the idea that the US should mediate the Kashmir issue.
“Kashmir is a part of India. No country negotiates a part of its territory.”
He added that any discussions on Kashmir would only involve Pakistan ending its illegal occupation of territories it seized during the 1947-48 conflict.
“We are ready to talk—about when they plan to leave that part of our land.”
This blunt and legally grounded statement draws a sharp line against external involvement in India’s core territorial issues and reiterates New Delhi’s longstanding stance on bilateralism.
"Zero Tolerance for Terrorism is Non-Negotiable"
In a global context where diplomacy often softens positions, Jaishankar’s unequivocal assertion of India's red lines on terrorism stood out.
“Our zero tolerance for terrorism is non-negotiable. This is who we are.”
He lauded the Netherlands for supporting India's firm policy post-Pahalgam and noted increasing European alignment with India's counter-terrorism narrative.
“Europe, especially the Dutch government, has shown maturity and understanding of our policy. I see growing convergence with Europe’s new strategic thinking.”
This signals a shift in India-EU relations, from trade-first engagement to deeper cooperation on security and global governance.
China, Pakistan & Europe: Comparing Security Environments
In a candid moment, Jaishankar drew a contrast between India and the West’s security experience.
“Europe had the luxury to choose prosperity without worrying about security. We didn’t. Our neighbours have kept us on alert for decades.”
India’s long-standing border tensions with both China and Pakistan have meant an ongoing diversion of resources to defense, even as it pursued economic development.
Yet, Jaishankar remained optimistic:
“I’m bullish about our economic trajectory. Security challenges are being managed. Our fundamentals are strong.”
This dual focus—on growth and security—defines India's modern foreign policy, especially as the country positions itself as a dependable power in the Global South.
On US Trade Talks: “Be Patient”
Asked about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, Jaishankar refrained from offering any major announcements but gave a subtle hint:
“Don’t jump the gun. We don’t give readouts in advance. Any deal must work for both parties—however long it takes.”
This indicates that while tactical differences may remain, strategic convergence between India and the US is intact.
India-Netherlands: A Deeper Strategic Partnership
Beyond immediate military and diplomatic concerns, Jaishankar also highlighted India’s growing relationship with the Netherlands.
“They are one of our top five investors. In Europe, they are our largest.”
He pointed to key areas of collaboration including water technology, semiconductors, agriculture, and defense. India sees the Netherlands as not just an economic partner but a strategic one amid changing geopolitical alignments.
The New Normal in India’s Foreign Policy
Jaishankar’s interview underscores a fundamental transformation in India’s foreign policy post-Operation Sindoor:
- Military deterrence is now the first pillar of external engagement.
- Bilateral resolution is a red line, particularly on core issues like Kashmir.
- Strategic clarity trumps diplomatic ambiguity.
- External advice is welcome, but internal sovereignty remains supreme.
In an age of increasing geopolitical complexity, Jaishankar’s words offer a preview into what the world should expect from New Delhi: confidence, clarity, and complete control over its own narrative.
With input from agencies
