WASHINGTON:
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that he played a decisive role in averting a potentially catastrophic war between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan, calling it one of his most significant, yet underappreciated, diplomatic achievements.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—his first since Merz’s election on May 6—Trump took pride in helping broker the May 10 ceasefire that ended days of cross-border missile strikes, air raids, and rising hostilities between Islamabad and New Delhi. Their talks covered a wide array of global issues, including conflicts in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, as well as trade tensions with China.
Tensions between India and Pakistan had flared dangerously after an April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) killed 26 tourists. India swiftly blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence and responded with airstrikes on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with strikes on Indian military targets, escalating the confrontation. Over the next three days, both sides exchanged heavy fire, resulting in at least 70 casualties.
Trump said he directly intervened, holding intense discussions with leaders from both countries. “I spoke to some very talented people on both sides,” he said. “They stopped that war. I was very proud of that.”
He revealed that economic leverage played a role in pressuring both sides to de-escalate. “I told them, we’re dealing with you on trade—Pakistan and India—and we’re not going to keep doing that if you’re going to be shooting at each other and pulling out nuclear weapons,” he said.
Highlighting the global risk of nuclear fallout, Trump warned, “Nuclear dust blows across oceans fast. It affects us too.”
The US president praised the leadership in both countries for showing restraint, but also lamented the lack of recognition for his role. “No one else could have done it,” he said. “I don’t get enough credit for stopping what could have been a global disaster.”
Since the ceasefire, Pakistan has publicly acknowledged and appreciated Trump’s mediation. India, on the other hand, has remained silent on US involvement, maintaining its traditional opposition to third-party intervention in regional matters.
