Donald Trump Claims Credit for Brokering India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Hopes for ‘Maybe Permanent’ Peace
U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that his administration played a pivotal role in preventing a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that he threatened to halt trade with both nations unless they agreed to a ceasefire.
Trump’s remarks, made during a press briefing at the White House, were the first in-person comments on the matter and have sparked responses from Indian government sources denying parts of his claims.
Trump’s Trade Threat
According to Trump, he told Indian and Pakistani leaders, “Let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’re doing trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade.”
He reiterated that trade played a major role in compelling both sides to agree to halt military action. Trump also disclosed that the U.S. was currently negotiating trade terms with India and intended to begin talks with Pakistan.
Indian officials have contradicted this account, saying there was “no reference to trade” during the discussions held between Indian and U.S. authorities.
According to government sources, after Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held conversations with External Affairs Minister on May 8 and with NSA Ajit Doval on May 10. Officials maintained that trade was not brought up in any of these discussions.
Trump’s Statement on Nuclear War
Trump also claimed that the U.S. “stopped the nuclear conflict” and added, “I think it could have been a bad nuclear war. Millions of people could have been killed, so I’m very proud of that.”
The comments are being viewed as highly controversial and are likely to be discussed in the next parliamentary committee meeting on external affairs scheduled for May 19, when Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to brief lawmakers.
Trump’s reference to a possible nuclear conflict has led to speculation about India’s May 10 airstrikes on Pakistani air force installations, particularly a suspected nuclear site near the Kirana Hills in Sargodha.
When questioned, Air Marshal AK Bharti clarified, “We did not hit Kirana hills, whatever is there,” adding that Indian forces were unaware of any such site.
Opposition Reacts to Trump’s Comments
Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism from opposition leaders and former diplomats.
Some believe his statements infringe on India’s established policy of rejecting third-party mediation, particularly concerning internal matters like Kashmir.
Dipankar Bhattacharya of the CPM remarked, “By keeping quiet on these claims, the PM has failed to assure the people against American or third-party intervention in bilateral affairs concerning India and Pakistan,” and demanded an urgent parliamentary session.
Trump Describes the Ceasefire as Permanent
Reiterating claims he had made on social media, Trump said, “On Saturday, my administration helped broker an immediate ceasefire, I think a permanent one between India and Pakistan.”
He noted that both nations are nuclear powers and commended their leadership for understanding the gravity of the situation.
Calling the leaders of India and Pakistan “powerful,” Trump praised their wisdom and strength in responding to the crisis.
He said, “They really were from the standpoint of having the strength and the wisdom and fortitude to fully know and to understand the gravity of the situation.”
US Used Trade as a Diplomatic Tool
Trump described the diplomatic efforts as unprecedented, stating, “People have never really used trade the way I used it.”
He claimed that this unique tactic led to the ceasefire. “We helped a lot, and we also helped with trade. I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let’s stop it, let’s stop it.”
He expressed his gratitude towards Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying, “We stopped a nuclear conflict. I also want to thank VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their work.”
However, according to sources quoted by ANI, VP JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio communicated with Indian officials on multiple occasions, and there was “no reference to trade in any of these discussions.”
India-Pakistan Ceasefire Understanding
On May 10, India announced that it had reached an understanding with Pakistan to stop cross-border firing. Officials in New Delhi confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries facilitated the agreement.
They have maintained that no third party was involved, countering Trump’s repeated claims of U.S. mediation.
The ceasefire followed Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. The operation targeted multiple terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir.
