Putin and Trump Address India-Pakistan Conflict During Phone Call
In a recent conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump discussed a range of international issues, including the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan. This was confirmed by a Kremlin aide who provided insights into the call’s agenda.
Key Topics Covered During the Call
The phone call between the two leaders, which took place on a Wednesday, primarily focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine but also touched on other critical geopolitical matters. Among these was the conflict between India and Pakistan, which according to the Kremlin, was halted partly due to Trump’s intervention.
Yury Ushakov, a senior Kremlin aide, stated that the presidents discussed the Middle East and the armed conflict involving India and Pakistan. He noted Trump’s role in stopping hostilities, without providing extensive details.
Conflicting Perspectives on the India-Pakistan Ceasefire
While Trump has frequently claimed credit for preventing armed conflict between India and Pakistan, Indian officials present a different view. India maintains that the cessation of hostilities was achieved through direct engagement between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, highlighting bilateral military diplomacy rather than external influence.
Pakistan Seeks Russia’s Support for Conflict Resolution
On a related note, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to President Putin via a special aide, Syed Tariq Fatemi, seeking Moscow’s assistance to resolve tensions with India.
Fatemi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow to deliver a letter from Sharif addressed to Putin. The letter requested Russia’s help in facilitating dialogue between India and Pakistan to achieve a diplomatic solution.
Fatemi emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to engage in negotiations and expressed hope for any Russian initiative aimed at reducing regional tensions:
- “We are here to see support from Russia to any initiative that would ease tensions. Pakistan and India must sit down at the negotiating table,” he said.
- “We are ready to sit down with them at the negotiating table and let them solve the problem,” he added.
Background: Recent Escalation and Ceasefire
Tensions between India and Pakistan surged following a terror attack in Pahalgam, leading India to execute precise strikes targeting militant infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir on May 7.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military facilities between May 8 and 10, which were met with strong Indian countermeasures.
The ensuing military hostilities concluded after both nations’ military commanders engaged in talks, agreeing to cease military actions from May 10 onwards.
International Diplomatic Dynamics
Amid mounting regional tensions, diplomatic efforts involving Russia have emerged as important. A multiparty parliamentary delegation previously visited Russia to raise awareness about cross-border terrorism, securing strong Russian support for India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
These developments underscore Russia’s strategic role as a potential mediator in South Asian security issues.
