India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly dismissed claims that New Delhi ended its recent military conflict with Pakistan under external pressure, particularly from the United States. Speaking in parliament on Monday, Singh clarified that the operation was halted in May because India had achieved all its strategic objectives, not because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s alleged involvement in brokering a ceasefire.
The military confrontation, which erupted in May following the April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 Hindu pilgrims dead, was described as the most intense clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in nearly 30 years.
Addressing lawmakers, Singh stated:
“India halted its operation because all the political and military objectives studied before and during the conflict had been fully achieved. To suggest that the operation was called off under pressure is baseless and entirely incorrect.”
His comments came as the Indian Army confirmed it had neutralized three militants in a gun battle in Kashmir on Monday. While Indian television reports suggested the individuals were linked to the April attack, Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.
The attack has drawn comparisons to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, making it one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in India in recent memory. New Delhi has accused Pakistani nationals of orchestrating the killings, alleging Islamabad’s support for the assailants — a charge Pakistan has rejected, calling instead for an independent international probe.
During the May conflict, both sides deployed fighter jets, drones, missiles, and artillery, with dozens reportedly killed. While Pakistan credited President Trump for facilitating a ceasefire, India maintains that no foreign party was involved, and that the decision to cease hostilities was a bilateral agreement between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India’s opposition parties have raised concerns over intelligence lapses preceding the Kashmir attack and have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of yielding to U.S. influence. They also highlighted reports suggesting Indian jets were downed during the confrontation.
Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian aircraft, while India’s top military officials acknowledged initial air combat losses but declined to disclose specifics.
Kashmir remains the flashpoint in the long-standing India-Pakistan rivalry. Both countries claim the territory in full but govern separate parts, having fought two of their three wars over the region. While India accuses Pakistan of backing armed insurgents, Pakistan insists its support is purely diplomatic and moral for Kashmiris seeking self-determination.
