India Rejects Trump’s Claim of Mediating Ceasefire with Pakistan Over Trade Concessions

New Delhi, May 13, 2025– India has categorically rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by offering trade concessions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday clarified that while discussions between Indian and U.S. officials took place during a tense period in early May, trade was not discussed.

Responding to Trump’s assertion that increased trade promises influenced both South Asian nations to agree to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The issue of trade did not come up in any of the discussions.” He emphasized that the only exchanges between India and the U.S. occurred from May 7 to May 10 and centered strictly on security matters.

India maintained that the de-escalation across the Line of Control (LoC) was a direct result of its military operation, not external mediation. “It was the force of Indian arms that compelled Pakistan to stop its firing,” Jaiswal said, referring to Operation Sindoor, which targeted key Pakistani Air Force bases in retaliation to cross-border firing.

Pakistan’s claims of a diplomatic victory were also dismissed. Jaiswal remarked, “Claiming victory is an old habit… Get defeated but keep on beating the drums,” in reference to Pakistan’s consistent pattern of spinning narratives even after setbacks.

India reiterated its long-standing position that any issue with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally and without third-party intervention. This includes past refusals to accept foreign mediation in matters like Kashmir. India has consistently demanded that Pakistan first end cross-border terrorism before any meaningful dialogue can resume.