India Engaged, Pakistan Requested: Inside The Washington Backchannel Of Operation Sindoor

As soon as Operation Sindoor was executed, India was also simultaneously pursuing a diplomatic strategy in Washington, D.C. Recently published documents from the US indicate clear disparities in the way that India and Pakistan approached this matter. On one hand, India had a definitive, clear-cut military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack while Pakistan had an urgent, anxious response.The documents reveal that the Indian Embassy engaged a domestic lobbying and strategic advisory company with a strong connection to former members of the Trump administration. Their mission was straightforward: to facilitate communication with US policymakers regarding business and bilateral relations while also maintaining open lines of communication regarding Operation Sindoor as it evolved

militarily. Of particular note is the fact that the filings provide no indication that India was seeking American mediation or a cease-fire. According to Indian diplomats, such activities are common in Washington where foreign embassies frequently work with businesses to assist them in navigating Congress, the White House, and key individuals who shape American foreign policy.

India contacted the US high-ranking officials on the day military actions stopped; its goal was not to negotiate with Pakistan, but rather to clarify India's position. In its contacts, India emphasised that Operation Sindoor was a counter-terror operation. As well as seeking to explain its objectives, Indian officials wanted to eliminate any misconceptions in both US politics and the media regarding the nature of India's military actions. They emphasised India was operating on its own terms regarding the military decisions that led to Operation Sindoor and the termination of hostilities, as had always been New Delhi's longstanding position against third-party involvement in any way regarding Pakistan.On the other hand, Pakistan's perspective and situation differ significantly from India's. The Official Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) documents indicate that Pakistan actively sought assistance from the US during Operation Sindoor—a finding indicates that Pakistan worried about the scope and nature of Indian attacks, and therefore contacted US officials to seek assistance in halting any further military action against them. According to the FARA documents, the reports indicated that Pakistan communicated to the US officials a clear concern about the escalation of Indian military operations and expressed a combination of military and diplomatic pressure. Unlike India’s careful approach to communicating with the US government, Pakistan’s approach demonstrated an acute need for the US to exert influence and pressure on New Delhi to stop hostilities.The documents reveal a significant contradiction to Pakistan's later assertions that India aimed for a ceasefire. Instead, they indicate that Pakistan sought external assistance, reinforcing India's position that it did not pursue international mediation. Furthermore, these revelations provide context for former US President Donald Trump's subsequent calls for American involvement in easing tensions. Notably, there is no record of India formally requesting mediation, and there’s no indication that discussions about trade had any impact on the military pause. Indian officials emphasized that conversations around trade and security operations were distinctly separate and confirmed the completion of Operation Sindoor once its strategic objectives were met.Overall, these findings offer a clearer perspective on the dynamics at play. India concentrated on achieving its military aims while maintaining effective communication with the international community, displaying confidence rather than desperation. In contrast, Pakistan faced operational challenges and looked to garner diplomatic support from Washington actively. This scenario exemplifies how contemporary conflicts unfold across various locations—capitals abound with diplomatic engagements, briefing rooms filled with discussions, alongside ongoing battlefield activities. For New Delhi, Operation Sindoor underscored a strategy melding military resolve with astute diplomacy—acting decisively while communicating openly and steering clear of outside intervention in issues concerning bilateral security. For Islamabad, the documents highlight a familiar pattern: under pressure, the immediate response is still to seek assistance from Washington.FARA, or the Foreign Agents Registration Act, is a US law that requires individuals and firms representing foreign governments, political entities, or organizations to publicly disclose their activities in Washington.