During a press briefing on Wednesday, a Pakistani reporter faced a firm pushback from the US State Department after attempting to portray Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as obstructing peace efforts between India and Pakistan.
The reporter claimed that Pakistan welcomed US-led de-escalation initiatives and even suggested that former President Donald Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize if he could resolve the Kashmir dispute. He controversially remarked, “He’s the same gentleman that was not allowed to come to the US till 10 years ago,” referring to Modi’s past visa denial.
However, US State Department official Thomas Pigott decisively dismissed the provocation, steering the conversation back to Washington’s principal concerns.
“That is what we are happy to see. That’s where our focus remains… the ceasefire,” Pigott said, emphasizing that the US continues to support direct communication between India and Pakistan and the maintenance of the current ceasefire.
When questioned about Trump’s potential for a Nobel Peace Prize, Pigott responded diplomatically, calling Trump both a “peacemaker” and a “dealmaker,” highlighting his broader ambitions for peace without endorsing any specific claim related to South Asia.
The Pakistani journalist further attempted to bring Israel into the mix, alleging that India used Israeli-made drones in Operation Sindoor, the recent Indian military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He then drew a connection between the Abraham Accords and potential complications in Pakistan-Israel relations, asking whether Israeli involvement in Indian military operations could derail regional harmony.
Pigott, however, avoided taking the bait and reaffirmed, “Our focus is only on ceasefire and direct communication between the parties. The President is a dealmaker, he’s a peacemaker, but nothing to comment further beyond that.”
Key Takeaways:
- The US refrained from criticizing PM Modi, instead prioritizing stability and ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
- State Department declined to comment on India’s military hardware or drone origin.
- No direct response was given on the implications of Israeli involvement or Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize prospects.
- The US underscored diplomacy and peacebuilding through direct bilateral dialogue, steering clear of controversial assertions made by the Pakistani reporter.
This incident highlights Washington’s cautious and consistent approach to South Asia—focused on de-escalation, not sensationalism.
