ISLAMABAD: Prominent Indian defence analyst Pravin Sawhney has assertedthat substantial evidence points to United States President Donald Trump’sdirect intervention as the pivotal factor in securing the recent ceasefirebetween India and Pakistan following intense military exchanges in May2025. According to Sawhney, the truce was facilitated through high-leveldiplomatic channels involving key figures on both sides.
Sawhney, a former Indian Army officer and editor of Force magazine, claimedthat India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reached out to USSecretary of State Marco Rubio to seek assistance in halting theescalation. This contact, he argued, underscores Washington’sbehind-the-scenes role in averting a broader conflict between thenuclear-armed neighbours.
The analyst highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has avoidedpublicly acknowledging Trump’s involvement. Sawhney suggested thisreluctance stems from domestic political considerations, as crediting aforeign leader could undermine Modi’s image of strong leadership againstPakistan.Reports from multiple international sources corroborate elementsof US engagement. US officials, including Secretary Rubio, confirmeddiscussions with senior leaders from both countries, including NSAs Dovaland his Pakistani counterpart.
President Trump repeatedly claimed credit for mediating the ceasefire,announcing it on social media after what he described as prolongednegotiations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thankedTrump for his proactive role in facilitating peace.However, Indian officials have consistently denied any third-partymediation. They maintain that the ceasefire was achieved through directmilitary-to-military communications between the Directors General ofMilitary Operations of both nations.
Sawhney’s revelations add to the ongoing debate over the exact mechanics ofthe de-escalation. The May 2025 crisis erupted after India launched strikeson alleged terror targets in Pakistan, prompting retaliatory actions.
The conflict raised global alarms due to the nuclear capabilities of bothnations. International observers noted that while direct channels existed,US diplomatic pressure likely influenced the timing and agreement.
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Modi’s government has emphasised India’s firm stance against terrorism,insisting no external leverage was applied. Yet, Sawhney argued thatacknowledging US help would reveal vulnerabilities in India’sposition.Analysts note that Pakistan readily accepted US involvement,aligning with its interest in internationalising bilateral issues. Thiscontrasts with India’s preference for strictly bilateral resolutions.
The ceasefire has held since May, but underlying tensions persist.Sawhney’s claims, drawn from informed circles, suggest that quiet diplomacyoften plays a crucial role in South Asian crises.As both nations navigatepost-ceasefire relations, the role of external actors remains a sensitivetopic. Sawhney’s analysis provides a rare insider perspective on theintricacies of regional security dynamics.Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1909993
Tags: Pakistan, India, Donald Trump, Pravin Sawhney, Ajit Doval, MarcoRubio, Ceasefire
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