New York, May 14 — Former US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that the United States played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, citing his personal involvement and trade diplomacy as factors in ending the recent cross-border escalation.
Speaking to Fox News aboard Air Force One after his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump said, “We got involved with India and Pakistan. I didn’t like what was happening... And I did a good job.” He added that his administration had encouraged both nations to opt for peace and focus on trade instead of conflict.
This is the fifth time since Saturday that Trump has asserted US intervention in resolving the tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. According to Indian government sources, however, the ceasefire was a bilateral understanding reached directly between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, with no third-party mediation involved.
India-Pakistan Ceasefire and Operation Sindoor
The recent escalation began following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. In response, India conducted precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure across the border. Pakistan retaliated with attempted attacks on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10.A ceasefire understanding was reached on May 10, halting hostilities on land, air, and sea.
Trump’s Ceasefire Claims and Trade Diplomacy
In his interview with Sean Hannity, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation. “They’re two very strongly nuclear countries… Even at a minimum, millions could be killed,” he said, describing the intervention as an urgent necessity.He credited a team effort involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J D Vance, saying they collectively convinced both sides to seek peace. “Let’s have peace and let’s go and make trade deals. We like that much better than nuclear weapons,” Trump said.
Addressing the US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh earlier, Trump reiterated his stance: “Just days ago, my administration successfully brokered a historic ceasefire to stop the escalating violence between India and Pakistan.” He noted that trade played a central role in the talks, urging the countries to trade goods, not missiles.
Prominent figures including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Elon Musk, and other senior officials were in attendance at the forum.
India Rejects Third-Party Mediation
Despite Trump’s repeated claims, India has consistently maintained that all matters concerning Pakistan, including Kashmir, are strictly bilateral and exclude any external mediation.In a post on Truth Social, Trump referred to the ceasefire as a “historic and heroic decision” and offered to work with both countries on a “solution” for Kashmir. India, however, reasserts that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country and not subject to international negotiation.
The recent developments come amid heightened sensitivity in the region and renewed calls from New Delhi to respect its stance on bilateral diplomacy without foreign involvement.