US President Donald Trump, during his recent State of the Union address, reiterated his claim of having mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, alleging that his intervention prevented a nuclear conflict between the two nations. Addressing Congress, Trump asserted, “Pakistan and India would have been in a nuclear war,” citing a statement from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who warned that “35 million people” could have died without his involvement.
Since the military confrontation that erupted in May 2025, Trump’s claim of being instrumental in de-escalating tensions has been a recurring theme. He emphasized that his administration employed trade agreements and tariff measures as leverage to encourage both countries to ease their hostilities, a stance that has not been echoed by New Delhi.
The conflict referenced by Trump originated from the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. In retaliation, India conducted strikes against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to a significant military standoff between the two nations.
In the days leading up to his address, Trump reiterated his mediation efforts at a “Board of Peace” event, where he claimed to have warned both nations of trade deal repercussions unless they resolved their disputes. “I called them and said, ‘If you fight, I’m going to put 200 percent tariffs on each of your countries,’” he asserted, suggesting that this ultimatum helped facilitate a resolution.
Over the past few months, Trump has claimed credit for defusing the India-Pakistan conflict on more than 80 occasions, often providing inconsistent figures regarding military engagements, including the number of jets downed during the conflict. However, he has yet to clarify which side’s aircraft he was referring to in his statements.
In contrast, Indian officials have maintained that the ceasefire agreement reached on May 10 was a direct product of negotiations between India and Pakistan, firmly asserting there was no third-party involvement in the process. This assertion highlights a fundamental divergence in narratives between the Trump administration and the Indian government.
Trump’s repeated claims about his role in the cessation of hostilities raise questions about the geopolitical complexities in South Asia, particularly as India and Pakistan navigate their fraught relationship. While the former president’s assertions are positioned within the framework of his administration’s foreign policy accomplishments, they remain contentious and politically charged, reflecting the intense stakes involved in the region.
As the situation evolves, the emphasis on dialogue and direct negotiations between the conflicting parties seems essential. Observers of international relations are keenly watching how these dynamics unfold, particularly given the broader implications for stability in South Asia.
Original Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-would-have-died-trump-makes-new-shocking-claim-over-india-pak-conflict-101771990366056.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-25 10:08:00
