Trump credits India, Pakistan leaders for averting conflict.
He made the remarks while speaking to the media in the Oval Office, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and leadership in preventing further escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his often unpredictable foreign policy approach, surprised many by adopting a notably conciliatory tone. He acknowledged the roles played by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s then-leader in de-escalating tensions during a particularly volatile period. Trump said that it was due to their leadership and willingness to engage in dialogue that a potentially devastating conflict was avoided.
According to Trump, the United States played a “quiet but crucial” role behind the scenes, using backchannel communications and diplomatic pressure to encourage both nations to step back from the brink. “It could have been very bad,” he said, referring to a standoff that had captured global attention. He emphasized that peace in South Asia remains a strategic priority for the United States and that continued cooperation between India and Pakistan is essential for regional stability. Trump also hinted at future diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue.
Trump Credits India, Pakistan Leaders for Averting Nuclear Conflict — Avoids Taking Credit for First Time in Weeks
New York/Washington – In a rare shift in tone, U.S. President Donald Trump credited the leaders of India and Pakistan for preventing a potential war that could have turned nuclear. For the first time in weeks, Trump refrained from attributing the de-escalation solely to his own efforts, instead acknowledging the role of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir in stopping hostilities.
Trump made the remarks during an interaction with the media in the Oval Office after hosting General Munir for a lunch meeting at the White House on Wednesday. He described both Modi and Munir as “very smart people” who chose not to continue the military conflict. “That could have been a nuclear war,” Trump said. “Those are two nuclear powers — big ones — and they decided.”
The President said he was “honoured” to meet General Munir, praising his influence in halting hostilities from Pakistan’s side. When asked about Iran, Trump added, “They know Iran very well, better than most… and he [Munir] agreed with me” about the rising tensions in the region.
Trump noted that while he had spoken to Modi a few weeks ago, the Indian Prime Minister had just left Washington after attending the G7 Summit in Canada.
This marked a departure from Trump’s earlier claims. Since the military conflict between India and Pakistan de-escalated on May 10, Trump had repeatedly stated he “helped settle” the tensions and had urged both nations to engage in trade rather than conflict. His administration had previously claimed that U.S. intervention played a behind-the-scenes role in stopping the hostilities.
The military standoff was triggered after a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 people. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a high-precision military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over the next four days, intense cross-border drone and missile strikes continued.
Military Operations (DGMOs). They emphasized that no third party was involved in the resolution of hostilities.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a message from Kananaskis, Canada, reinforced India’s position that there was no mediation by any third party, including the United States. Misri stated that Modi had conveyed to Trump during their recent phone conversation that “at no point” during Operation Sindoor was there any discussion about an India-U.S. trade deal linked to peace or any mediation proposal from Washington.
Misri added that the decision to cease military action was initiated by Islamabad through official military channels, and the political leadership in New Delhi remains firmly opposed to any third-party mediation on matters concerning Pakistan.
Despite this, Trump continued to reference his role. “I stopped the war. I love Pakistan.
officials, were both responsive to Washington’s appeals to de-escalate. However, Indian officials have downplayed any U.S. involvement in actual decision-making or military communication. According to sources, Modi and Trump had a 35-minute phone call on Tuesday from Kananaskis, following Trump’s early return from the G7 Summit.
During the call, Modi reiterated that India considers terrorism not as a proxy threat but as an all-out war, reaffirming that Operation Sindoor was still ongoing against terror networks in the region. Trump expressed support for India’s position and offered condolences for the April 22 terror attack.
Trump reportedly invited Modi to make a stopover in Washington on his way back from Canada, but Modi declined due to prior commitments, including a scheduled visit to Croatia — the final stop of his three-nation tour that began in Cyprus.
While Trump’s recent statements seem to soften his previous self-congratulatory narrative, he also voiced frustration at the lack of media recognition for what he sees as his diplomatic success. “I got it stopped. I don’t think I had one story written,” he remarked, lamenting the perceived lack of credit for his role.
Ultimately, both India and Pakistan have confirmed that the ceasefire decision stemmed from direct bilateral engagement, with military leadership playing a key role. India remains firm in its refusal to accept third-party mediation, and officials continue to emphasize the importance of bilateral frameworks to resolve conflicts with Pakistan.