Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot has demanded a public explanation from the Indian government on reports of a backchannel understanding with Pakistan that resulted in a pause in Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror campaign along the western frontier. Pilot also raised strong objections to what he called “unacknowledged third-party involvement,” reportedly led by the United States.
Calling for full transparency, Pilot said, “Is the ceasefire a consequence of growing trade relations with the US, which President Donald Trump has publicly advocated? Or has India silently accepted third-party mediation in Kashmir? The government must clarify its position.”
His remarks come amid reports that Washington played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the agreement between India and Pakistan. Pilot, however, insisted that any such development undermines India’s sovereign claim over Jammu and Kashmir, especially Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Reiterating his party’s position, Pilot demanded that Parliament be convened for a special session to reaffirm the 1974 resolution that declared PoK an integral part of India. “In light of recent developments, it is imperative to send a united message to the world. Reaffirming the 1974 resolution through Parliament would show that all Indians stand together on Kashmir,” he stated.
Criticising the government’s silence on U.S. assertions of involvement, Pilot added, “This is the first time a third-party nation like the US has claimed such direct involvement in the Kashmir issue, and yet our top leadership has not issued any official response. This silence is deeply troubling.”
In a pointed reference to Donald Trump's recent remarks, Pilot noted, “President Trump has taken credit for brokering the ceasefire. What's alarming is the lack of any denial or clarification from our senior leadership. Even more worrying is that US statements have avoided any mention of terrorism — our core concern with Pakistan — instead focusing on Kashmir.”
Pilot expressed concern that the issue of Kashmir was once again being internationalised, potentially bolstering Pakistan’s longstanding narrative on the global stage. “This is a time for political unity. We must reaffirm our commitment to India’s territorial integrity and show that all 140 crore Indians are united in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
Questioning the credibility of the ceasefire, Pilot highlighted that Pakistan had violated it on the very day it was announced. “How can we trust a country that has consistently harboured terrorists, including Osama bin Laden? Pakistan’s record speaks for itself. It must be exposed globally as a sponsor of terror,” he asserted, urging the Indian government to present credible evidence before the international community.
