New Delhi: India has firmly rejected suggestions that any outside power played a role in ending the recent military standoff with Pakistan, reiterating that the four-day confrontation concluded through direct communication between the two armed forces.
According to Indian officials, the escalation ended after Pakistan suffered significant losses, prompting its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to reach out to his Indian counterpart. Following the exchange, both sides agreed to halt all firing and military activities across land, air, and sea starting May 10. Indian authorities have stressed that the understanding was achieved solely through established military channels, without diplomatic intervention from any third country.
Despite India’s position, renewed attention has fallen on China’s involvement during the crisis, particularly in light of Beijing’s close strategic and defence partnership with Islamabad. China remains Pakistan’s largest supplier of military equipment, a factor that has fueled speculation about its influence during periods of heightened tension in the region.
Questions surrounding China’s role are not new. In November, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission released a report alleging that Beijing coordinated a disinformation effort following Operation Sindoor. The congressional advisory body claimed that networks of fake social media accounts were used to spread AI-generated images showing supposed aircraft wreckage.
According to the report, the campaign appeared designed to cast doubt on the effectiveness of French-made Rafale fighter jets, which are operated by India, while simultaneously promoting China’s own J-35 aircraft on digital platforms.
On the diplomatic front, Beijing adopted a cautious tone when Operation Sindoor began. While urging restraint from all sides, China also voiced concern over India’s military actions.
“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation,” a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on May 7, calling for de-escalation as tensions rose.
India, however, has continued to underline that the resolution of the confrontation was a bilateral military matter, signaling its resistance to any narrative that suggests external mediation or influence in the outcome.
