Bhubaneswar: A day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Prasanna Acharya on Sunday raised questions over the declaration made by a ‘third party’ on behalf of the two neighbouring countries.
Describing the US president as a ‘third party’, the former Odisha Minister and BJD vice president asserted that only India holds the right to make such crucial decisions and declarations. Being a sovereign and capable nation, India should not yield to pressure from any global power, including the US or Russia.
“How can Trump unilaterally declare a ceasefire? Is he the PM or President of India? Or does he represent Pakistan? He is a third party. It is not his place to declare a ceasefire himself. The final decision is ours, of India. We shouldn’t bow down under the pressure of any powerful country, whether the US or Russia. We are an independent, proud, and capable country. Our armed forces are very patriotic. We should not be influenced or dictated by a third country,” the BJD leader was quoted by ANI as saying.
Notably, India sought to play down the role of the US in reaching an agreement on cessation of hostilities on Saturday, saying that the understanding had been reached between DGMOs of the two countries.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has maintained a consistent stand against terrorism. “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he said.
Trump’s statement and the earlier ones made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already invited criticism from the opposition Congress, which has also called for an all-party meeting on the issues post Operation Sindoor.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the agreement arrived at between the two countries as a significant diplomatic victory for India. “Our air defence system successfully intercepted the drones and strikes launched by Pakistan.The entire nation is standing in support of the Armed Forces,” he said.
