Trump-Putin Discussion Highlights India-Pakistan Ceasefire
On June 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the key topics was the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan. Following the call, the Kremlin issued a statement recognizing President Trump’s personal involvement in helping to stop the armed hostilities between the two nations.
“The Middle East was discussed, as well as the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump,” the Kremlin statement read.
Trump’s Claims on Ceasefire Mediation
“We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned into a nuclear disaster. I want to thank the leaders of India and Pakistan, and my team. We cannot trade with people who are shooting at each other and risking nuclear weapons. The leaders understood and agreed, and that all stopped.”
Earlier, Trump made similar assertions during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the White House, emphasizing that trade and peace were interconnected and claiming to have helped settle tensions through diplomatic efforts.
India’s Official Response and Opposition Perspectives
India promptly rejected the US claims regarding the mediation. The Indian government maintains that the ceasefire was initiated by Pakistan on May 10 and that India’s position was conditioned on Pakistan halting its aggression.
Indian opposition leader Shashi Tharoor, currently engaged in outreach activities in Washington DC, publicly dismissed Trump’s statements. He emphasized India’s stance of self-reliance in the matter:
“We have enormous respect for the American Presidency. However, India has never sought external mediation in this conflict. We were prepared to cease operations as soon as Pakistan stopped its aggression.”
Tharoor added that if any messages were conveyed to Pakistan by other parties, they did not involve India directly, and India stands ready to cease hostilities contingent on Pakistan’s actions.
Summary of Key Points
- Kremlin acknowledged Trump’s personal role in halting the India-Pakistan conflict.
- Trump claimed he helped prevent a potential nuclear disaster by facilitating a ceasefire.
- India rejected these claims, asserting it never requested external mediation and was ready to stop its operations if Pakistan ceased aggression.
- Opposition leader Shashi Tharoor reinforced India’s official position during a visit to Washington DC.
The contrasting narratives underline the complex diplomatic dynamics surrounding the recent South Asian military confrontation and the role of global leaders in seeking resolution.
