US sidesteps Pakistan’s claims on ceasefire, urges India-Pak dialogue

Washington kept the spotlight on peace and direct engagement amid Pakistan’s efforts to frame India as a roadblock

During a recent press briefing at the US State Department, the spotlight briefly shifted to South Asia when a Pakistani journalist attempted to position former US President Donald Trump as a peacemaker in the India-Pakistan ceasefire, while indirectly blaming India for stalling progress. The journalist highlighted Pakistan’s support for the ceasefire and sought US endorsement of Trump’s role, suggesting that India had not welcomed his efforts.

The US State Department, however, did not align with the narrative. Without directly addressing the journalist’s claims, the department reiterated its neutral stance—promoting peace and stability through direct dialogue between India and Pakistan. The US avoided assigning credit or blame, steering the conversation toward long-term diplomatic engagement.

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The journalist then raised concerns about India’s reported use of Israeli drones in “Operation Sindoor,” framing it as a risk to Pakistan-Israel relations. The mention of the Abraham Accords and India-Israel ties appeared aimed at drawing parallels between regional diplomacy and military cooperation.

The US representative chose not to comment on the allegations or specific military technologies, maintaining a broader focus on de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

Independent sources have since indicated that while Pakistan has objected to India’s defense partnerships with Israel, it has itself deployed a range of advanced weaponry in recent weeks. This included Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish-built Byker Yiha and Songar drones, long-range rocket systems, and J-10C fighter aircraft acquired from China.

Observers noted that Pakistan has often pursued global lobbying efforts in response to Indian defense moves, while India has maintained that the ceasefire was prompted by military-level outreach from Pakistan’s side following Indian pressure along the Line of Control.

Despite the narratives being pushed from various quarters, Washington refrained from engaging with the political framing. The focus remained on conflict resolution, direct diplomacy, and sustainable peace in the region.