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- Modi denies that Washington was involved in arranging the ceasefire.
- Claims the ceasefire was reached through direct military communication.
- “I stopped a war … I admire Pakistan,” states Trump.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump maintained that he played a crucial role in halting the conflict between Pakistan and India. His assertion came just hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed Trump that the ceasefire following four days of conflict in May was reached through direct talks between the two nations’ military forces, not through US intervention.
Trump’s comments were made immediately before his scheduled meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. This meeting is likely to concern India, given that both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have actively engaged with India in their strategies to counterbalance China’s influence.
When asked about his goals for the lunch meeting, following a phone conversation with Modi the previous evening, Trump remarked, “Well, I halted a war … I love Pakistan. I think Modi is an exceptional leader. I spoke with him last night. We’re going to finalize a trade agreement with Modi in India.”
“But I stopped the war between Pakistan and India. This gentleman [COAS Munir] was very influential in bringing that about from Pakistan’s side. Modi from India and others were ready to escalate — and both nations are nuclear powers. I managed to put an end to it.”
Last month, Trump had claimed that the nuclear-capable neighbors agreed to a ceasefire following discussions mediated by the US, suggesting that he encouraged both countries to prioritize trade over conflict. However, Modi later clarified to Trump that the ceasefire was established through direct communications between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, countering Trump’s statement, according to India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri.
Modi emphasized that at no point during their discussions did the subjects of a potential US mediation or India-US trade deal arise. Misri stated, “The discussions for halting military actions occurred directly between India and Pakistan at Pakistan’s request. The Prime Minister made it clear that India has never accepted mediation and never will.”
The recent hostilities, which marked some of the heaviest fighting in decades, were triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan for this attack, a claim that Pakistan denied.
Following India’s cross-border operations, Pakistan reportedly initiated Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and downed six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales. After several days of conflict, both countries agreed on a ceasefire on May 10.
While Pakistan has consistently praised and acknowledged Trump’s part in the truce, asserting his multiple affirmations on the matter, India has firmly denied any US involvement. Nevertheless, Trump has reiterated his willingness to mediate the long-standing Kashmir issue, a sentiment echoed by the US State Department.
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