As Indian outreach teams head to 33 nations, the Foreign Ministry asserts that Pakistan sought the May 10 ceasefire—debunking US mediation claims. China’s unexpected tone shift also in focus.
New Delhi, May 20, 2025 – In a high-level briefing for seven cross-party delegations heading to 33 countries, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified two key issues around Operation Sindoor: Pakistan initiated the May 10 ceasefire, and China has notably softened its stance, expressing regret rather than condemnation.
The delegations, aimed at rallying global support and countering Pakistan’s narrative post-Operation Sindoor, were told that Islamabad—not Washington—initiated contact seeking a ceasefire. According to sources, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan attempted to reach out via hotline around 11:00 AM, but technical issues delayed the connection.
Eventually, the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi sent a formal message, prompting the two DGMOs to speak at around 3:30 PM, during which a ceasefire was agreed. “Claims of US President Donald Trump’s mediation are incorrect,” a top official stated. “The outreach came directly from Pakistan.”
The briefings also covered China’s reaction, which has shifted noticeably. Rather than condemning India’s military action, Beijing issued a statement of regret, marking a significant diplomatic development. “This shift is important,” a senior source noted, “and reflects our robust engagement and regional clarity.”
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Delegation members were told to strongly counter Pakistan’s repeated attempts to play the ‘victim card’. “India will not allow Pakistan to spin the narrative. Our stance against terrorism will be clearly articulated on global platforms,” said an official.
The outreach effort includes visits to United Nations Security Council members (current and incoming) and the European Union headquarters in Brussels. Delegates will engage with top government officials, opposition leaders, journalists, intellectuals, and Indian diaspora leaders.
These bipartisan delegations include senior figures such as Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JDU), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-Sharad Pawar faction).
Three groups were briefed on Tuesday, with the rest to follow on Wednesday. The first teams are set to begin their outreach missions tomorrow.
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