Trump repeats claim of stopping India-Pakistan conflict, says Sharif “survived because of me”
Washington : US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he personally intervened to stop the military conflict between India and Pakistan, asserting that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “survived because of my intervention.” His remarks have renewed debate over the role of third-party mediation in the recent India-Pakistan tensions.
Trump made the statement while addressing the nation during his second-term State of the Union speech. Referring to India’s military response under ‘Operation Sindoor,’ he said, “If I had not stepped in during the conflict, the situation could have escalated into a much bigger war. Pakistan’s leadership was under severe threat, and Prime Minister Sharif survived because of my intervention.”
The US President further claimed that his diplomatic pressure prevented a possible nuclear escalation between the two South Asian neighbours. “I have stopped eight major conflicts globally, including the India-Pakistan confrontation. Without my involvement, there was a real risk of nuclear weapons being used. I used economic leverage, including tariff threats, to ensure both sides stepped back,” Trump said.
The conflict between India and Pakistan escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. In retaliation, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ targeting terror infrastructure across the border. The operation involved coordinated drone and missile strikes over several days.
Following four days of intense hostilities, both nations agreed to halt military escalation on May 10, 2025. However, the Indian government has consistently maintained that the de-escalation was achieved through direct military and diplomatic channels between the two countries, without any third-party mediation.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for stopping the conflict, making similar assertions on multiple occasions in recent months. He also earlier stated that several fighter aircraft were downed during the confrontation, although official details released by India have remained limited.
Strategic experts note that Trump’s remarks could have diplomatic implications, particularly given India’s longstanding position against external mediation in bilateral matters with Pakistan. The statements are likely to draw attention in diplomatic and strategic circles, especially amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and continued tensions in the region.
