PM Modi Rejects Foreign Mediation Claims in 'Operation Sindoor' Debate
In a heated parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi rejected claims of foreign mediation in halting "Operation Sindoor," India's retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. He stated that no world leader asked India to stop and that a ceasefire was considered only after Pakistan pleaded for it. The PM accused the opposition of echoing Pakistani propaganda. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, had questioned the government's political will and cited US President Trump's claims of brokering a deal.
Unpacked:
The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when the Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front killed 26 tourists in India after segregating them by religion. The attack was claimed by TRF, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, and prompted India to respond with Operation Sindoor.
India launched precision missile and air strikes on May 7–8, 2025, targeting nine sites used by militant groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes avoided military targets and focused on terrorist camps, employing artillery, Rafale jets, and advanced munitions.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched coordinated drone and missile strikes against over a dozen Indian military installations across northern and western India. India’s air defense intercepted most attacks, and the crisis escalated with both sides exchanging strikes for several days.
Opposition leaders cited US President Trump’s claims of brokering a deal to suggest foreign mediation was involved in the ceasefire. Prime Minister Modi denied this, insisting no world leader asked India to halt its operations, and stated the ceasefire was considered only after Pakistan requested it, rejecting any foreign influence.[summary]