WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has lauded Pakistan’s leadership as “very strong,” and acknowledged that his administration played a decisive role in defusing rising tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, crediting his diplomatic intervention with stopping what he described as a looming war.
Speaking at a White House event alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump recounted how, at one point, hostilities between the two South Asian neighbours were “getting close to being out of hand.” He claimed that it was his outreach to leaders in both New Delhi and Islamabad that pulled the situation back from the edge.
“I spoke to talented people on both sides. Very good people. I told them, ‘We’re not going to deal with you if you go around shooting at each other or pulling out nuclear weapons,’” Trump said.
Trump claimed that he used the leverage of ongoing trade negotiations to pressure both sides into backing down. “I said, if you’re not going to stand down, we’re not doing trade deals,” he added. “and that war — I got it stopped.”
He concluded by expressing frustration that his efforts have gone largely unrecognized. “Will they give me credit? No. They won’t give me credit for anything. But nobody else could’ve stopped it. I’m proud of that.”
Trump’s claims have elicited mixed reactions on the international stage. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly acknowledged Trump’s assertion during a recent phone conversation, though the Kremlin has not provided details or confirmed the extent of Trump’s involvement in resolving the conflict.
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for Trump’s acknowledgement, stating that the country remains committed to combating terrorism and fostering regional stability. Sharif also called for a comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India, suggesting that the United States could facilitate such talks.
However, India has denied any U.S. involvement in reducing tensions or brokering a ceasefire. Indian officials attribute the de-escalation to internal measures and strategic clarity, rather than external influence.
The recent tensions between India and Pakistan were sparked by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025, which resulted in 26 deaths. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting the Pakistani border areas and civilian places. The operation escalated military tensions between the two nations. Trump claimed to have mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, though the details and extent of his involvement remain unclear.
While the full impact of Trump’s diplomatic efforts remains to be seen, his statements highlight the complex and often contentious nature of international relations in South Asia. The divergent narratives from the United States, Pakistan, and India underscore the challenges in addressing regional conflicts and the varying perceptions of external involvement in such matters.
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