US President Donald Trump has again said that he played a role in helping India and Pakistan stop hostilities, claiming the understanding came through trade talks that helped ease tensions between the two countries.
Speaking at the White House's Oval Office during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump said, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade."
Trump added, "And I said, ‘What are you guys doing?’ Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. But the shooting was getting worse and worse, bigger and bigger, deeper and deeper into the countries. And we spoke to them, and I think we, you know, I hate to say we got it settled, and then two days later, something happens, and they say it's Trump's fault."
Trump praised leaders of both countries, saying, "But... Pakistan has got some excellent people and some really good, great leader. And India is my friend, Modi," to which Ramaphosa replied, "Modi, mutual friend." Trump added, "He's a Great guy and I called them both. It's something good."
Trump has made similar statements before, saying he helped ease tensions between India and Pakistan.
The recent pause in hostilities followed India's 'Operation Sindoor', launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to clashes, including Pakistan's drone attempts on Indian cities near the border and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC).
Earlier, before India officially announced any agreement on stopping military action, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, saying, "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
India later rejected Trump’s claims. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) restated India’s position that any issue involving Jammu and Kashmir should be handled directly between India and Pakistan.
"As you are aware, we have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian Territory by Pakistan," the MEA said.
The MEA also noted that trade was not discussed between Indian and US leaders during or after Operation Sindoor.
"From the time OPERATION SINDOOR commenced on 7th May till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on 10th May, there were conversations between Indian and U.S. leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions," the MEA added.
On May 7, under Operation Sindoor, India also destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. This was in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last month, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.
Following India’s strike, Pakistan retaliated with shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir, along with attempted drone attacks along the border.
After Pakistan's incursion, India escalated its response, targeting and destroying key Pakistani military and air infrastructure, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and the Rahim Yar Khan airbase. Both countries reached an understanding to end hostilities on May 10.