A top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin has backed US President Donald Trump’s recent claim that he personally intervened to broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, drawing sharp political reactions in India. Yury Ushakov, a senior Kremlin official and foreign policy adviser, confirmed that the issue was discussed during a 75-minute phone call between the two leaders on June 4.

ALSO READ

What Ushakov said on India-Pak ceasefire?

Speaking to Russian media, Ushakov stated: “The Middle East was discussed, as well as the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump.” The statement reinforces Trump’s earlier remarks on May 31, where he claimed his administration’s diplomatic efforts, coupled with trade negotiations, helped de-escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Trump went further to suggest that his involvement may have averted a nuclear war, though he did not provide detailed evidence or specify the timeline of events that led to the cessation of hostilities. His statement has now gained more weight after the public endorsement from a top Kremlin official.

Congress demands answers from PM Modi on Trump ‘mediation’

The confirmation has stirred political controversy in India, especially among opposition leaders. Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh seized on Ushakov’s remarks to demand clarity from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “President Putin’s aide Yury Ushakov has just revealed that the 4-day India-Pakistan conflict came up in the 75-minute telephonic conversation of President Putin and President Trump on June 4,” Ramesh said.

He continued: “We want the Prime Minister to clarify the truth. He is completely silent on America’s role. It is surprising that President Trump and President Putin are speaking about India and Pakistan, but there is no word from our leadership. What is the truth? Did Operation Sindoor stop because of US pressure?”

The Congress party has framed the issue not as a military matter but as a political one. “Our questions are political,” said Ramesh. “What were the political directives given by the Prime Minister? Was there a political surrender to America’s threat that trade deals with India would not go through unless we stopped the war?”

ALSO READ

As of now, the Indian government has not issued any official statement in response to either Trump’s claims or Ushakov’s confirmation.