Flaming claims

• The U.S. President has claimed credit for mediating the May 10 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, a claim that is questioned and problematic.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted this claim, stating that the talks were held “directly” between the Directors General of Military Operation (DGMO) and India.

• The government claims that Pakistan’s request came after it received a jolt over India’s strikes on Pakistani bases.

• Trump’s assertions violate India’s principle of not accepting third-party mediation on bilateral issues and contradict India’s policies against internationalizing an “internal issue” and hyphenation with Pakistan.

• The MEA spokesperson denied that any trade-related issues were discussed between India and U.S. interlocutors, despite Trump’s repeated threats to stop trade and enhance trade ties.

• India must analyze why Trump’s shift from camaraderie with Modi to a more considered message on U.S. policy for the region.

• India must emphasize its battle against cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, which is one of India’s closest partners and co-founder of the Quad.