A day after the Centre announced a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire. In his letter, Gandhi emphasised that US President Donald Trump was the first to announce the ceasefire.
"Dear Prime Minister, I reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately. It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and today's ceasefire, first announced by US President Trump. This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead. I trust that you will consider this demand seriously and swiftly," Gandhi wrote.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who also serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, supported Gandhi's call for a special session. In his letter to the Prime Minister, Kharge referenced their previous requests from April 28, when both he and Gandhi had called for a special session to address the Pahalgam terror attack.
"You may kindly recall that, as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, I requested you to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament in wake of the inhuman terror attack in Pahalgam," Kharge wrote.
"In view of the latest developments, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has already written to you again, conveying the unanimous request of all Opposition parties for a special session to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC, and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan. As Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, I am writing in support of this request. I trust you will agree," he added.
Previously, the government had convened an all-party meeting following the Pahalgam terror attack and after the airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
Also Read: Kharge reiterates oppn demand for special Parliament session
However, Prime Minister Modi did not attend either of these meetings. During these sessions, the Opposition had assured full support to the government in taking any necessary action to avenge the terror attack, which left 26 innocent civilians dead.
In a surprising turn of events amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, US President Donald Trump announced that both India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted on Truth Social.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the ceasefire, stating that he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged with the leadership in both India and Pakistan, commending them for agreeing to pause military actions.
Around half an hour later, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri issued a brief statement. He confirmed that India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) had received a call from his Pakistani counterpart, and both sides had agreed to cease all military actions by 1700 hours IST on Saturday.
Also Read: Day after ceasefire, PM chairs high level security meeting
"It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air, and at sea," Misri said. "Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours," he added.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms. "India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so," he stated. However, Prime Minister Modi has not yet publicly commented on the development.
Pakistan’s leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, took to social media to announce the ceasefire and express their gratitude to US President Donald Trump.
Interestingly, none of the official responses from Indian leadership have highlighted the role played by the US or detailed the specific terms under which the ceasefire was agreed.
In a separate development this morning, President Trump offered to help mediate a resolution to the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. However, New Delhi has consistently maintained that Kashmir is an integral part of India and has opposed any third-party mediation. The Indian government’s official response to Trump’s offer is still awaited.
Also Read: Operation Sindoor still ongoing, briefing soon: Indian Air Force
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