India stated on Thursday that tariffs were not part of the discussion with America regarding the ceasefire with Pakistan. This comment came from the Ministry of External Affairs amid claims by the Trump administration in a federal court that the threat of tariffs helped secure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a three-day battle.
Refuting these claims, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at a weekly press conference, 'India's stance on this issue is clear... Conversations between India and America were ongoing from May 7th when Operation Sindur began until its end on May 10th. Tariffs were never discussed during these conversations.'
Meanwhile, in a New York federal court case against reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration, the court deemed these Liberation Day tariffs illegal, suspending them.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick argued that the tariffs helped promote a ceasefire between the nations. He claimed that Trump's trade offers to both countries fostered the conditions for a complete ceasefire. However, India has disputed Trump's administration's latest claims.
What did the Foreign Ministry say about conversations with Pakistan?
Following the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran Valley, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan. The attack claimed the lives of 26 tourists, with links traced back to Pakistan, prompting India to target terror sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir by May 7th. Both nations engaged in conflict for at least three days, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on May 10th.
Amid these strained relations, the Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed India's position stating that any dialogues with Pakistan would only pertain to the return of PoK to India. Conversations will not touch upon Jammu and Kashmir.
Jaiswal reiterated, 'Any engagement with Pakistan will remain bilateral. On talks, we have been clear: terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist. Pakistan should hand over terrorists for whom we have shared lists and records previously. As for Jammu and Kashmir, conversations will be about Pakistan returning PoK.'
He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made it clear that dialogue and terrorism cannot go hand in hand.
Following the Pahalgam attack, India also suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. Addressing this, Jaiswal said, 'As PM Modi says, dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist, trade and terrorism cannot coexist, and water and blood cannot flow together.'
What did Jaiswal say about the missing Indian citizens in Iran?
Regarding three missing Indian citizens in Iran, the Ministry spokesperson said, 'Three Indian nationals went missing in Tehran recently. We are in touch with the Iranian authorities for their whereabouts, safety, and return. We are receiving good cooperation from Iran and are in contact with the families of the missing. We are providing all possible assistance...'
What was said about Mohammad Yunus?
Bangladesh's interim government head, Mohammad Yunus, blamed India for his domestic failures.
In response, Jaiswal commented, 'The responsibility for Bangladesh's issues lies with its current government. Blaming external factors will not resolve domestic shortcomings.'
