Afrida Rahman Ali: Very good evening and welcome to Free Press Journal. With me is senior journalist and co-founder of SatyaHindi, Ashutosh. Thank you for joining us.
Ashutosh: Good evening, Afrida. Thank you for having me.
Afrida: Let’s begin with what’s dominating headlines—competing narratives around the India-Pakistan ceasefire. We’ve just played a soundbite from former US President Donald Trump, claiming he orchestrated the ceasefire through trade threats. Your first reaction?
Ashutosh: The most disturbing part is Trump’s assertion. While I’ve always advocated peace over war, once a war begins, it should reach its logical conclusion. This ceasefire wasn’t announced by India or Pakistan—but by a third party: America. That’s deeply problematic.
Afrida: Why do you say that?
Ashutosh: India’s states foreign policy, since 1947, has been clear—no third-party mediation. We solve our problems bilaterally. That tradition was breached. Secondly, Trump openly tweeted about discussing Kashmir. That internationalizes the issue—something India has always resisted.
Afrida: But the PM did say in his speech that no third-party involvement occurred.
Ashutosh: Then why hasn’t the government publicly refuted Trump’s claims? It’s been over 72 hours. If Trump is lying, say it. Instead, Trump’s version is going unchallenged, creating a global perception that India acted under US pressure.
Afrida: Do you think this affects India’s image globally?
Ashutosh: Absolutely. It creates a false equivalence between India and Pakistan. It hyphenates the two, undoing years of Indian diplomacy. Our stature as a sovereign, regional power has taken a hit.
Afrida: Can you compare this with a past precedent?
Ashutosh: Yes. In 1971, during the Bangladesh crisis, Indira Gandhi resisted US pressure. The 7th Fleet was sent, but she stayed firm. That’s statesmanship. Today’s silence in the face of Trump’s comments is damaging.
Afrida: Do you at least believe India proved its military superiority?
Ashutosh: No doubt. We hit nine Pakistani airfields. It was a strong message. But Pakistanis are celebrating, twisting the narrative. They’re masters of deception.
Afrida: The opposition is demanding a special session of Parliament. Do you agree?
Ashutosh: Yes. In a democracy like ours, the government is accountable to Parliament. Whether through a special session or another mechanism, they must brief the nation.
Afrida: Final thoughts?
Ashutosh: Ceasefire is strategic. But the global perception matters. Until the Indian government openly denies Trump’s claims, people will believe we surrendered to pressure. That’s dangerous for a proud, ancient civilization like ours.
Afrida: Thank you for sharing your insights, Ashutosh.
Ashutosh: Thank you
