Jaishankar Reveals US VP’s Secret Warning Before Pakistan’s Attack, Details India’s Firm Response Under Operation Sindoor
In a dramatic and revealing address to the Lok Sabha on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar laid bare the timeline and depth of India’s strategic and military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting the warning received from the United States Vice President JD Vance just hours before a massive Pakistani offensive on May 9.
During the special parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, Jaishankar disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally alerted by Vice President Vance through a direct phone call.
According to the External Affairs Minister, the Vice President cautioned the Indian leadership about an imminent Pakistani strike expected within hours.
“On the evening of May 9, the US Vice President JD Vance reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and warned of a large-scale Pakistani assault in the coming hours. In response, the Prime Minister unambiguously conveyed that any such aggression would receive a strong and proportional Indian response,” Jaishankar told Parliament.
The External Affairs Minister confirmed that Pakistan did indeed launch the anticipated attack — but thanks to advanced intelligence and swift defensive preparedness by the Indian Armed Forces, it was thwarted effectively.
Jaishankar hailed the Indian military’s coordination, describing the ensuing events as a powerful demonstration of the “new normal” in India’s counter-terror policy — one marked by decisive action and no tolerance for provocation.
India’s Retaliatory Response: Operation Sindoor
Jaishankar provided a detailed timeline of India’s response through Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, in direct retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, including tourists and locals.
He noted that India carried out precision strikes on terror launch pads, training camps, and logistical hubs located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Following these strikes, Pakistan initiated multiple retaliatory attempts, including attempted aerial and missile attacks on Indian military positions between May 8 and 10.
One of the most significant threats involved a ballistic missile aimed at the Adampur airbase, which was successfully neutralised by India’s cutting-edge air defence systems, including S-400 and Akash batteries.
On May 10, Indian forces escalated their response with targeted strikes on strategic Pakistani military infrastructure, including airfields, air defence installations, command centres, and radar systems.
Satellite imagery publicly available afterwards revealed the extensive damage inflicted on key Pakistani airbases, underscoring the severity and precision of India’s actions.
“Every Indian has seen the satellite images of Pakistani airfields. The visuals speak for themselves — our message was clear and powerful,” Jaishankar remarked.
Diplomacy in Action: Global Backing for India
In a strong rebuttal to the Opposition’s allegations, particularly those raised by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, regarding alleged US-brokered ceasefire negotiations involving former President Donald Trump, Jaishankar firmly denied any such mediation.
He emphasised that no conversation took place between PM Modi and President Trump between April 22 and June 17, calling the claims “factually incorrect.”
“There was no linkage between trade talks and our military posture. Furthermore, all communications with the United States maintained a clear distinction between strategic deterrence and economic dialogue,” he asserted.
Jaishankar proudly highlighted India’s diplomatic offensive, which rallied near-universal global support for Operation Sindoor.
Of the 193 United Nations member states, only three countries besides Pakistan opposed India’s right to self-defence. This overwhelming backing, he noted, reflected India’s growing influence and respect on the global stage.
A Five-Point Doctrine Against Terrorism
Jaishankar also introduced a new strategic doctrine guiding India’s national security approach, especially in response to cross-border terrorism:
-
Terrorists will not be treated as proxies — they will be held fully accountable.
-
Any act of cross-border terrorism will invite an appropriate and direct Indian response.
-
Dialogue and terror cannot co-exist — India will not entertain talks amid violence.
-
India will not be intimidated by nuclear blackmail or threats.
-
Blood and water cannot flow together — a symbolic warning tied to the Indus Waters Treaty.
In a bold move, Jaishankar announced that India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a long-standing agreement governing river water sharing between India and Pakistan, in response to Islamabad’s continued support for terrorism.
“This was a necessary step to communicate that certain red lines had been crossed, and there would be serious geopolitical consequences,” he said.
Exposing Pakistan’s Global Image
Jaishankar further noted that India had launched a global diplomatic campaign following the Pahalgam attack to expose Pakistan’s longstanding support for terrorism. The aim was to show the world that the attack was not just on India’s people, but also on Kashmir’s economic revival and communal harmony.
“From a diplomatic standpoint, our mission was clear — to build global consensus on Pakistan’s culpability. We highlighted how the attack was timed to disrupt tourism and foment unrest,” Jaishankar said.
A Warning and a Message to the World
Jaishankar concluded by stating that India’s response to the Pahalgam attack and its handling of Operation Sindoor had reshaped regional security dynamics. He called on all nations to recognise India’s right to defend itself, while reiterating that New Delhi’s strategic patience should not be mistaken for weakness.
“We responded with clarity, conviction, and capability. Our forces stood firm. Our diplomacy delivered. Our message to the world was unmistakable — India will defend itself, decisively and unapologetically,” he declared.
