Former US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that the United States played a pivotal role in mediating the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan by leveraging trade pressures, which he asserts prevented a potential nuclear conflict between the two nations.
Trump stated, "We talk trade, and we say we can’t trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons… They understood and they agreed, and that all stopped." He further expressed pride in what he called "the deal I’m most proud of," emphasizing the use of diplomacy and economic incentives over military action. "Normally they do it through bullets. We do it through trade. So I’m very proud of that," he added.
He credited American diplomacy with halting the escalation, saying, "We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned out into a nuclear disaster, and I want to thank the leaders of India and Pakistan, and I want to thank my people."
However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has firmly rejected Trump’s assertions, clarifying that the ceasefire was a sovereign decision by India and not influenced by external pressures related to trade or other factors. The MEA highlighted that conversations with the United States during the tense period focused solely on the evolving military situation without any mention of trade.
The ministry reiterated India's established stance concerning Pakistan-occupied territories and affirmed that the military response, termed Operation Sindoor, was a calibrated counter-terrorism strategy fully consistent with India's doctrine, not a reaction to trade negotiations.
This clarification follows earlier denials from Indian officials and analysts who have consistently refuted claims suggesting US intervention in the conflict resolution process.
