New Delhi: China has recently claimed that it played a key role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a statement that has triggered sharp reactions in India’s strategic and political circles. Indian officials and analysts have dismissed the claim, asserting that New Delhi acted independently and that no foreign power mediated the pause in military operations.
Background: China Enters the Narrative
Earlier, Pakistan had stated that it received diplomatic outreach from countries such as the United States and Saudi Arabia during the escalation. Now, China has added itself to the list, claiming credit for helping stabilize multiple global conflicts, including the India-Pakistan situation.
However, Indian commentators have questioned the credibility of Beijing’s assertion, particularly in light of the fact that Pakistan used Chinese-made military equipment, including PL-15 missiles, during the confrontation. Reports indicate that several of these missiles failed to function as intended, with some recovered in near-intact condition.
A Familiar Global Strategy?
Experts note that China’s messaging mirrors a strategy often associated with former US President Donald Trump—publicly projecting itself as a global peacemaker while simultaneously maintaining aggressive military postures elsewhere.
While positioning itself as a force for peace, China has continued to expand its military presence around Taiwan. In his New Year address, President Xi Jinping reiterated that China’s “great reunification” is inevitable, reinforcing concerns about Beijing’s long-term strategic ambitions.
India’s Official Position
India has firmly rejected claims of foreign mediation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Parliament, clearly stated that no world leader requested India to halt its military actions. He emphasized that India’s decisions during Operation Sindoor were taken solely based on national interest and direct communication from Pakistan indicating a desire to de-escalate.
The Prime Minister also invited verification of diplomatic call records, underlining transparency in India’s stance.
Political Reactions at Home
The Chinese claim has also drawn criticism from Indian opposition leaders. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi urged the central government to formally refute Beijing’s statement, arguing that such claims undermine India’s sovereignty and national security narrative.
Opposition leaders have warned that allowing such assertions to go unchallenged could encourage other nations to make similar claims in the future.
China’s Broader Peace Claims
In recent statements, China has listed several conflicts where it claims to have contributed to peace efforts, including:
- Mediation in northern Myanmar
- Support for peace between Israel and Palestine
- Involvement in discussions on Iran’s nuclear program
- Easing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand
However, analysts argue that there is little verifiable evidence of decisive Chinese intervention in many of these cases.
Strategic Implications for India
Security experts believe India must respond clearly and consistently to such narratives. Allowing external actors to claim credit for India’s military and diplomatic decisions could weaken India’s strategic autonomy on the global stage.
As global powers increasingly shape international narratives, New Delhi’s firm denial reinforces its long-standing policy: India does not act under external pressure when it comes to national security.
Conclusion
China’s claim of mediating the India-Pakistan conflict has been met with strong rejection from India’s leadership. With the Prime Minister’s categorical statement in Parliament and growing political consensus, India has made it clear that Operation Sindoor and its pause were entirely sovereign decisions, not the result of foreign intervention.