Operation Sindoor: Despite India’s repeated denials of any US involvement in the India-Pakistan ceasefire, President Donald Trump once again claimed that his personal diplomacy played a decisive role in easing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Speaking at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump credited ongoing trade talks and direct communication with both nations for the apparent de-escalation.
“If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India — we settled that whole thing,” Trump said, referring to recent tensions along the Line of Control (LoC). “I think I settled it through trade. We’re doing a big deal with India. We’re doing a big deal with Pakistan.”
“I got it settled”: Trump
Trump portrayed himself as the key figure responsible for preventing further escalation. “Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. The shooting was getting worse and worse,” he said, suggesting his intervention brought the situation under control. “I said, what are you guys doing? We — 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.”
He praised both countries’ leadership, calling Pakistan’s administration “great” and referring to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “my friend” and “a great guy.” Trump added, “I called them both. We just did something good.”
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India, we settled that whole thing, and I think I settled it through trade. We're doing a big deal with India. We're doing a big deal with Pakistan…Somebody had to be the last one… pic.twitter.com/oaM6nCJCLi
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2025
Following the ceasefire last week, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to post: “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.”
India denies any US role in ceasefire
Despite Trump’s assertions, Indian officials have firmly rejected the notion of American mediation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi clarified that no trade or ceasefire discussions with Washington were held. “The trade issue did not come up in any discussions with Washington during the conflict,” the MEA stated.
Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan had spiked following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. In response, India launched “precision strikes” under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).