Both Iran and the United States (US) publicly crediting Pakistan for a ceasefire has sent Indian social media spiraling, leaving people on this side of the border in fits.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif revealed early Wednesday that Iran and the US had agreed to an immediate halt in hostilities, and invited both delegations to Islamabad on April 10 for further negotiations. 

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he had spoken with both PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir before agreeing to suspend bombing operations against Iran for two weeks, subject to Tehran fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iranian Foreign Minister (FM) Abbas Araghchi then issued a statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, saying that if attacks on Iran were halted, its armed forces would stand down.

“I express my gratitude and appreciation for my dear brothers Prime Minister of Pakistan Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for their tireless efforts to end the war in the region,” he said.

As the world celebrated, the reaction from across the border was immediate and deeply divided.

“Who would’ve thought that, out of all countries, it would be Pakistan that would stop the war and be publicly credited for it by both the US and Iran,” one user wrote on X.

“By visiting Israel, Modi handed Pakistan the opportunity to step in as a neutral mediator, something which India should’ve done,” said another.

Several users pointed squarely at PM Modi’s foreign policy choices as the reason India found itself on the sidelines. “Both Iran and US mentioned Pakistan for their role in the ceasefire. The world is acknowledging the effort they put in mediating between two warring nations,” one post read. 

“And all this while, our very own Vishwaguru campaigned for state assembly elections and promoted Dhurandhar,” said one.

A rather blunt take read: “Today, as an Indian, it’s painful to watch. Pakistan is gaining global relevance, showing up in key conversations on Iran and Israel while India looks increasingly sidelined. And yet, we still call ourselves a ‘Vishwaguru.’ BJPee has miserably failed India.”

“India as one of the biggest countries in Asia, with good relations with both the US and Iran, should have been mediating this ceasefire and not some terror nation. But one man sold the nation’s dignity for a fake medal and an unnecessary fatherland speech,” another added.

The call for self-reflection came strongly. “Instead of acting all petty and salty, we should acknowledge that Pakistan enabled this ceasefire and do some genuine soul-searching. Where has Indian diplomacy gone wrong and why?”

“Diplomatically isolating Pakistan on the world stage has always been a national security objective of India. So many MPs went on a world tour on taxpayer’s money to expose Pak after the Pahalgam terror attack. Are they more isolated today or less isolated? You tell me.”

One user described waking up to the news in almost personal terms. “Woke up feeling relieved to see no bad news about civilisation being harmed. Felt saddened learning who mediated (Pakistan) and that both sides acknowledged it. Felt small.”

A section of users urged a wider view. “See the larger picture, the whole world is praising Pakistan for their mediation. Narratives matter in the long run. This war impacted the globe directly and whoever mediated, history will remember them.”

Others dismissed the significance of Iran’s concessions altogether. “Until yesterday, Iran was rejecting a temporary ceasefire. ‘In no case am I willing to open Hormuz unless there is a permanent settlement.’ Big climb down from Iran. Their case was so hopeless that mere survival looks like a win,” one user remarked.

“Hey, Shehbaz Sharif is basically an avatar of Modi ji. So the credit goes to Modi ji,” another joked.

Opposition supporters used the moment to make their case for a leadership change. “As an Indian, I thank Pakistan for stepping up as mediator when India was completely silent under Modi and saving the world, including India, from World War 3. Modi’s warmongering and weak diplomacy failed us badly. It’s time for real leadership, Rahul Gandhi as PM.”

A few voices also flagged a practical concern about what Pakistan’s newfound leverage could mean going forward. “Just in case, Pakistan may now turn to Trump to pressure India into restoring the Indus Waters Treaty suspended after the Pahalgam attack. Brace for it. And if that happens, India is unlikely to flatly refuse him.”