Modi govt debunks Donald Trump's claim that trade incentive caused India-Pakistan ceasefire

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and the US discussed the then undergoing military operation but trade was not the subject in any of those discussions.

"From the time of Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 till the understanding of cessation of firing and military action on May 10, there were conversations between India and US leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions," Jaiswal said.

But in a completely contrasting claim, Trump said, "I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let’s stop it. Let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’ll do a trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade."

"And all of a sudden, they said, I think we’re going to stop," the US President said and added, "For a lot of reasons, but trade is a big one."

In a complete surprise, Trump last Saturday announced on Truth Social that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, who were engaged in a military conflict for three days from May 7.

Trump announced on Truth social, "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!"

In a retaliation against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor hitting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The military conflict escalated after Pakistan targeted civilians across the borders without any provocation to be aptly countered by the Indian military.

Rejecting Trump's offer for a mediation with a veil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on Monday said India and Pakistan can only talk on two topics, terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"I would also like to tell the global community that our stated policy has been: if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism; and if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)," he said.