In a fresh embarrassment for Washington, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has clarified that Islamabad never requested the United States or any third party to mediate a ceasefire with India during Operation Sindoor. Dar’s statement directly contradicts repeated assertions by US President Donald Trump, who has claimed credit for arranging a truce between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Speaking to Pakistani media, Dar admitted that Pakistan itself had asked for a ceasefire after suffering losses during the Indian offensive. “We did not ask the United States or any other country to arrange talks. The ceasefire request came from Pakistan,” he said. His words stand in sharp contrast to Trump’s repeated declarations that Washington “brokered peace” between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Pakistan ready for talks with India

Despite the setback, Dar signalled Islamabad’s willingness for dialogue. “Pakistan is ready for comprehensive talks with India, including on Kashmir and all outstanding issues,” he said. Reports also indicate that Saudi Arabia has offered to facilitate future discussions.

India, however, maintains its long-standing stance that “talks and terror cannot go together”. New Delhi insists that unless Pakistan dismantles terror infrastructure and ends cross-border attacks, dialogue cannot proceed.

Dar’s admission confirms that Pakistan sought to halt the escalation after Indian strikes hit multiple strategic sites, including the Nur Khan and Shorkot air bases. He further revealed that Islamabad had reached out to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but only to convey its own ceasefire request, not to seek mediation.

Trump’s repeated claims

Even before India or Pakistan made any formal announcement, Trump had rushed to social media, claiming success. Writing on Truth Social, he declared:
“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.”

Since May, Trump has reiterated more than forty times that he personally prevented a “nuclear war” between India and Pakistan. He has continued to showcase the alleged mediation in meetings with European leaders and NATO officials, saying it is proof of his statesmanship.

New Delhi, however, has consistently denied any American role, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling Trump’s version “bizarre, if not unfair”. Jaishankar stressed that the truce was negotiated directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two armies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also told Parliament that Operation Sindoor was halted solely on India’s terms, without outside involvement.

Operation Sindoor

The conflict was triggered by the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The offensive sparked heavy exchanges, including drone strikes attempted by Pakistan and shelling along the Line of Control.

Trump’s insistence on claiming credit has drawn criticism both in India and internationally.