Documents reveal India ran to US for ceasefire after Pakistan’s counter-attack

ISLAMABAD: New details have emerged shedding light on how India turned to the United States for assistance in securing a ceasefire with Pakistan during the May 2025 conflict, as official documents submitted to the US Department of Justice have come to the fore.

According to the documents, on May 10, the same day the ceasefire between Pakistan and India was announced, the Indian Embassy in Washington was in direct contact with senior figures within the Trump administration. The records indicate that India approached the White House Chief of Staff through a US-based lobbying firm, raising eyebrows in diplomatic circles in New Delhi.

The documents show that White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles and other key officials were contacted on India’s behalf, while images have also surfaced showing the head of the lobbying firm hired by India alongside former US President Donald Trump. The US Department of Justice has stated that the outreach was aimed at influencing and managing international media coverage of the conflict.

An Indian journalist has also confirmed that New Delhi had engaged a lobbying firm to gain access to senior US officials during the hostilities, reinforcing claims that India was under significant diplomatic pressure as the situation escalated.

The revelations come amid strong assertions from Pakistani officials that India was forced to seek external mediation following Pakistan’s firm and effective response during the conflict. Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has repeatedly stated that the Pakistan Air Force demonstrated exceptional operational capability and advanced technology during the May confrontation, shifting the balance on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, speaking earlier on a private television programme, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan’s decisive performance not only compelled India to step back but also enhanced Pakistan’s standing at the global level. He revealed that Pakistan has since received substantial international interest in its defence equipment, particularly aircraft, following their successful deployment during the conflict.

The defence minister added that the growing demand reflects renewed global confidence in Pakistan’s armed forces and defence industry, with potential economic benefits significant enough to reduce reliance on international financial assistance if agreements are finalised.

Warning against any future misadventure, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and would respond decisively to any aggression. He further claimed that India’s leadership suffered political and diplomatic embarrassment both domestically and internationally after the May conflict.