Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 11 (ANI): Reacting to US President Donald Trump's remarks on cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Sunday questioned the legitimacy of Trump's intervention, asserting that only India holds the right to make such decisions.

Calling Trump, a 'third party,' Acharya emphasized that India is a sovereign, capable nation that must not yield to pressure from any global power, including the US or Russia.

'How can Trump unilaterally declare a ceasefire? Is he the PM or President of India? Or does he represent Pakistan? He is a third party. It is not his place to declare a ceasefire himself. The final decision is ours, of India. We shouldn't bow down under the pressure of any powerful country, whether the US or Russia. We are an independent, proud, and capable country. Our armed forces are very patriotic. We should not be influenced or dictated by a third country,' the BJD Vice President told ANI.

Earlier on Saturday, India also played down the role of the US in achieving an agreement on cessation of hostilities saying that the understanding had been reached between DGMOs of the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India has maintained a consistent stand against terrorism. 'India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,' he said.

Trump's statement and the earlier ones made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio have already invited criticism from the opposition Congress.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, 'The Indian National Congress considers that the mention of 'neutral site' by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for dialogue between India and Pakistan raises many questions. Have we abandoned the Simla Agreement? Have we opened the doors to third-party mediation? The Indian National Congress would like to ask if diplomatic channels between India and Pakistan are being reopened? What commitments have we sought and got?'

The Congress has also called for an all-party meeting on the issues post Operation Sindoor where India successfully destroyed nine terror sites in Pakistan. (ANI)