Operation Sindoor remains active and has not been concluded, government sources clarified on Sunday, emphasizing India’s firm stance on retaliatory action against Pakistan. Contrary to reports suggesting U.S. mediation, officials stated that America played no intermediary role in the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made India’s position clear during a phone call with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on April 9. “If Pakistan initiates any action, India’s response will be stronger, larger, and more forceful,” Modi reportedly told Vance. This conversation occurred before Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks targeting Indian military installations during the night of April 9–10.
Refuting a New York Times report which implied that the U.S. intervened after Indian airstrikes on Pakistani air bases, sources asserted the timeline was inaccurate. “Vance reached out to convey U.S. intelligence suggesting a potential Pakistani escalation. He inquired if there was a possibility of de-escalation,” said a senior official. In response, Modi reiterated India’s policy of measured yet decisive retaliation.
India responded to Pakistan’s attempted strikes—26 in total—with precision missile attacks on six Pakistani airbases, including those at Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. Indian air defenses intercepted all incoming missiles, and while some drones penetrated airspace, they reportedly caused no significant damage.
“Operation Sindoor specifically targeted terror infrastructure belonging to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba,” a source noted. “We informed the Pakistani DGMO in advance and made it clear our intent was not to escalate unless provoked.”
On April 13, following the Indian strikes, Pakistan’s DGMO Major General Kashif Abdullah requested a ceasefire in a call with his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai. The conversation occurred after initial contact attempts were delayed due to scheduling.
Officials also denied any engagement between the National Security Advisors or foreign ministers of the two countries. “There has been no direct contact between the NSAs. The DGMOs are the appropriate channels for such communications,” a government representative said.
Regarding the U.S. role, Indian officials emphasized that Washington expressed concern but did not mediate. President Donald Trump initially contacted Prime Minister Modi to offer condolences following the Pahalgam attack and later discussed related matters, but no facilitation role was taken.
“The U.S. was not informed of any ceasefire by India. If they knew, it likely came from Pakistan, which had sought a diplomatic off-ramp,” the source added. “Our message to every nation remains consistent: if Pakistan refrains from aggression, we will not retaliate. But if attacked, our response will be swift and overwhelming.”
