US Shrugs Off Pakistani Reporter’s Accusation Against Modi on Peace Deal
US Sidesteps Question on Modi’s Role in Pakistan Peace Talks
A Pakistani reporter attempted to draw the US State Department into the complex India-Pakistan peace process, but a senior US official deftly deflected the question during a press briefing. The reporter alleged that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was obstructing de-escalation talks between Delhi and Islamabad, even suggesting that US President Donald Trump could win a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering a deal between the two countries.
When pressed on whether the US was disappointed that Modi didn’t seem receptive to a ‘peace deal,’ Thomas Pigott, a US Department of State official, insisted that the focus remained on achieving and maintaining a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Pigott reiterated this emphasis several times, stating, ‘That is what we are happy to see. That’s where our focus remains. And we want to see a ceasefire be maintained, and we want to encourage direct communication. That is our focus here. Our focus is the ceasefire. Our focus is on encouraging direct communication. That’s where our focus is going to remain. The President has spoken on this.’
The reporter persisted, raising the issue of Trump’s potential Nobel Peace Prize nomination and the use of Israeli-made drones by India during Operation Sindoor. Pigott, however, refused to engage with these points, sticking to his message of prioritizing ceasefire and communication between India and Pakistan. He described Trump as ‘a peacemaker’ who values peace and conflict resolution, but offered no further comment on the specific allegations regarding Modi or the use of drones.
The exchange highlights the delicate nature of US diplomacy in the India-Pakistan region, where any statement can be perceived as taking sides. The US is clearly attempting to navigate this sensitive situation by emphasizing its commitment to a peaceful resolution while avoiding direct criticism of either government.
