India Rejects Ceasefire-Trade Link
India has debunked U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that trade relations between India and Pakistan would be put on hold if tensions did not return to normal. Indian officials clarified that such a message had not been sent in recent diplomatic talks. They made it clear that no such message had been sent when there was the coordination of Operation Sindoor that led to the ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Major Diplomatic Discussions Took Place
Following are the reports based on Indian sources:
- The 9th of May saw US Vice President JD Vance calling up Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on May 8 and 10.
- Rubio also talked with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on May 10.
Officials reported that trade did not form a segment in any of the calls.
India Responds to Trump's Trade Remarks
President Trump had informed that the U.S. had linked trade relationships with the success of the ceasefire. He informed that the U.S. had warned both countries that trade would stop if tensions remained. Trump went further to inform that both countries were favorable with this approach.
Indian sources indicated, however:
- No trade terms have been negotiated.
- Trade and ceasefire have no relation.
- India verifies the U.S. role in mediating the ceasefire but denies any mention of trade restrictions.
India Emphasizes Independent Decision
India insists that the ceasefire was brokered independently and not under any coercion pertaining to trade. The government reiterated once more that although U.S. intervention paved the way for the ceasefire, no link was made between peace talks and economic agreements.
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