The Indian government told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Pakistan did not resort to “nuclear signalling” after Operaton Sindoor and the US was “neither involved or informed” about the ceasefire between the two neighbours, on Monday. The committee is headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, remarked on Pakistan being informed at the “start of our attack”, which was countered by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri who briefed the panel, according to sources. India’s Director-General of Military Operations spoke to his Pakistani counterpart regarding Operation Sindoor, but only after the “first strike”, said Misri to the panel.
Moreover, he detailed the recent increase in activities of Pakistani-sponsored terrorists operating on Indian soil. Investigation by security agencies have revealed Pakistan allegedly extends support for terrorism on Indian soil by training them, aiding them financially, and providing technical assistance and advanced weaponry. According to Misri, there were reportedly 24 terrorist-initiated attacks, leading to the deaths of 24 security personnel and more than 30 civilians at least. Pakistan remains accused of violating ceasefire by helping them cross the Line of Control (LoC).
The meeting was three hours long and attended by 23 members. The panel expressed solidarity with Vikram Misri, who has been trolled on social media. The committee’s Chairman Shashi Tharoor told reporters during the conclusion of the meeting that officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Misri answered all questions raised by members across party lines “satisfactorily”, and added the event was a “comprehensive and rich discussion.”
Queries from the MPs from the ruling party, BJP, were about India’s seeming isolation as China and Türkiye support Pakistan, however, Misri reportedly responded that most countries recognize India’s response to the recent conflict.
Misri reiterated the government’s stance that there was no deviation from the stated policy of no third-party mediation, as both sides were in communication; the Indian DGMO spoke to his Pakistani counterpart to clarify that India was only hitting at the terror infrastructure and the Pakistani military can choose to not intervene, after the “first strike” of Operation Sindoor. The ceasefire agreement was also agreed without any third-party intervention on May 10.