During his recent visit to Washington, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made headlines not just for diplomacy, but for clarity. In a press interaction, he firmly refuted former US President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States had mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. According to Jaishankar, the agreement was solely between the two nations' military leaders and no third party was involved.

He emphasized that India’s decisions on national security, including ceasefire agreements, are independent. In a sharp but composed tone, Jaishankar stated that India never entertained trade-offs or negotiations involving nuclear blackmail, making it clear that national interest comes above all else.

What stood out during his remarks was not just his statement of Trump’s claim, but his broader message to the West. Jaishankar called out Western nations for their selective outrage over terrorism highlighting how global concern often surfaces only when those countries themselves are attacked. He urged for a more consistent and principled international stance against terror.

During the same trip, Jaishankar also met prominent Indian-origin leaders like Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard. Their discussions focused on shared concerns: terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, and expanding cooperation between two of the world’s largest democracies.

This visit wasn’t just about defending India’s position it was about asserting India’s evolving role in global diplomacy. Jaishankar’s words weren’t confrontational, but assertive. His message was clear: India doesn’t need validation to make decisions that impact its people and borders. And when it comes to fighting terror or defending sovereignty, India will stand its ground calmly, but firmly.