'Back-channelling turned into front-channelling': Manish Tewari on Trump and India-Pak ceasefire claims

Manish Tiwari

Senior Congress leader Manish Tewari has clarified the difference between back-channelling, mediation, and arbitration, stressing that back-channelling remains an informal and fluid process in diplomacy.

Speaking to ANI, Tewari contrasted past diplomatic practices with former US President Donald Trump’s style, which he described as "front-channelling." He said Trump often publicised diplomatic moves to claim credit, undermining the effectiveness of quiet negotiations.

“In President Trump’s case, what used to be back-channelling and quiet is now front-channelling,” Tewari said, adding that this approach disregarded established norms of diplomacy and statecraft.

The comments came after Trump claimed his administration brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan earlier this year, a claim denied by India. The Indian government maintains that the May 10, 2025 cessation of hostilities came through direct talks between the two militaries.

Tewari noted that only those involved could confirm whether back-channelling played a role. He also highlighted that back-channel diplomacy has historically shaped India-Pakistan relations during crises—from Operation Brasstacks in 1987 to the Pulwama-Balakot episode in 2019.

“Backchanneling has been used in every India-Pakistan crisis—Brasstacks, Robert Gates’ visit in 1990, Operation Parakram, the 26/11 attacks, and later during Pulwama-Balakot,” he said.

The Congress leader also criticised the rising toxicity in political discourse, recalling how Rajiv Gandhi faced personal attacks in the 1980s. He warned against the current trend of tit-for-tat politics and urged political maturity and restraint.

Citing examples, Tewari recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee praising Indira Gandhi after the 1971 war as an example of statesmanship that today’s politics lacks.

“There was Vajpayee ji who, after the liberation of Bangladesh, hailed Mrs Gandhi’s leadership. If you require maturity and statesmanship of that order, then that has to come from all sides,” he said.

Tewari also accused political leaders of exploiting national security for political gains, pointing to instances where leaders staged appearances during crises.

*With ANI Inputs