Jaishankar clears the air on US role, says ceasefire a bilateral decision

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday told a parliamentary panel that Pakistan was informed by the DGMO about Indian strikes on terror camps in their territory only after they were executed, sources said.

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He also said he never spoke to Pakistan and cleared the air about alleged US "interference", saying the decision to halt the military operation was taken bilaterally after a request from the Pakistan side.

Addressing members of the Consultative Committee on External Affairs here, the minister said the cessation of Operation Sindoor was done only after Pakistan DGMO asked for the halting of hostilities and there was no question of US mediation between the two, the sources said.

The Congress and Rahul Gandhi have been targeting Jaishankar, alleging that he had informed Pakistan beforehand about the Indian strikes at terror camps.

Referring to the criticism by the Congress, Jaishankar told the MPs that it was unfortunate that some leaders were doing politics over his statement by "misquoting" him.

He also categorically rejected any claims that he spoke to the Pakistani side.