NEW YORK, N.Y. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently lauded the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, claiming his administration’s efforts were pivotal in de-escalating tensions through strategic trade negotiations rather than military intervention. This statement, however, has been met with mixed reactions and denials from involved parties.
In a series of public remarks, Trump highlighted his pride in managing to prevent what he described as a potential nuclear disaster between the two South Asian nations. “They do it through bullets, we do it through trade,” Trump said, emphasizing the role of economic leverage over military might.
Trump’s assertions come after a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by events such as the Pahalgam Terror Attack and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. The former president claims his administration warned both countries of halting trade if hostilities continued. “The deal I’m most proud of is the fact that we’re dealing with India, we’re dealing with Pakistan, and we were able to stop potentially what could have been a nuclear war,” Trump stated.
However, New Delhi has firmly rejected Trump’s claims, stating that the ceasefire was a result of direct military-level communications between India and Pakistan, with no third-party involvement. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reinforced this position by denying any U.S. influence over the ceasefire agreement, which was reportedly coordinated internally by both countries’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
Reactions from various fronts have surfaced, with some Indian political opposition figures urging clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government regarding the U.S.’s perceived role in the ceasefire. The narrative that India equates its diplomatic dealings with those of Pakistan has also drawn criticism domestically, raising concerns about how external diplomatic narratives can impact regional perceptions.
Amid these claims, Trump reiterated that peace through economic strength and negotiation remains a priority for international diplomacy. “I am happy that at least there will be no bloodshed on both sides,” he stated, pledging continued support for boosting trade relations with both nations under peaceful circumstances.
