“Peace Lies Through Wagah, Not Washington”: Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao Counters Trump’s Indo-Pak Ceasefire Remarks
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed claim that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, former Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao called for a clear and composed diplomatic stance from India, emphasizing that peace between the two nations must come through bilateral dialogue, not third-party intervention.
Rao took to social media with a detailed thread, outlining what she believes should be India’s official position amid recurring statements from Trump regarding his alleged role in defusing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Key Recommendations by Rao:
- “The road to peace is through Wagah, not Washington.”
Rao underscored the importance of geography and regional agency, reminding the international community that real solutions must come from within the subcontinent, not through outside players. - Reaffirm India’s Commitment to Past Agreements:
She urged a strong reiteration of India’s adherence to the Shimla Agreement (1972) and the Lahore Declaration (1999), which enshrine the principle that all bilateral issues—including Kashmir—must be resolved directly between India and Pakistan. - Avoid Engaging in a Media Tug-of-War:
Rao advised against issuing public rebuttals each time foreign leaders make dramatic statements, cautioning that doing so may lend undue legitimacy to third-party claims. - Keep the Focus on Bilateralism:
She suggested that India should redirect global discourse by consistently reinforcing its position:“Only India and Pakistan can resolve their disputes through sustained, government-to-government talks.”
She proposed a possible official diplomatic line:
“The ceasefire and any future de-escalation measures between India and Pakistan are—and will remain—the outcome of direct, bilateral discussions.”
No Dialogue Without Accountability
Rao also made it clear that talks are only meaningful if Pakistan ends its support for cross-border terrorism, stating:
“There is no substitute for the sustained dialogue that only our two governments can conduct—only if Pakistan gives up its support and sustenance of terror directed against India and our people.”
A Strategic Diplomatic Posture
The former top diplomat emphasized the strategic value of this approach:
“This allows India to shrug off headline-grabbing claims without appearing peremptory, reasserts sovereignty in foreign policy, and keeps the focus on bilateralism. (Mr. Trump should realise that three’s a crowd here). #TrumpIndoPak”
Trump’s Claim Draws Criticism
Earlier on Friday, President Trump had once again stated that his administration prevented India and Pakistan from going to war, adding that the U.S. cannot trade with nations that are “shooting at each other.”
Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Navtej Sarna, also weighed in, noting that “claiming credit for phone calls is very different from mediation”, indirectly pushing back on Trump’s assertion.
As India navigates international commentary on its regional affairs, Rao’s statements provide a measured, assertive template for how India can respond, without engaging in unnecessary public sparring or conceding its long-standing position on bilateralism.
