Trump Repeats India-Pakistan War Claim, Modi Stands Firm
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again claimed credit for preventing a major conflict between India and Pakistan, asserting that he “stopped the war” between the two nuclear-armed nations. Speaking during a press event in Washington, Trump said, “No one reported on it, but I stopped the war between Pakistan and India,” while praising both leaders and underscoring what he described as behind-the-scenes diplomacy during the Pahalgam crisis earlier this year.
Trump’s remarks come days after a closed-door meeting in Washington with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. The former U.S. President referred to General Munir as “extremely influential” and suggested that both sides came dangerously close to all-out war before U.S. engagement helped cool the situation.
Modi’s Response: No Third-Party Mediation
The Indian government, however, strongly disputes Trump’s version. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking informally on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, reiterated that there was no third-party mediation involved in securing the ceasefire. Modi is reported to have told Trump during a previous phone call that the ceasefire was the result of direct military communication between India and Pakistan, following a Pakistani request to de-escalate hostilities.
India’s Foreign Secretary also stated unequivocally that “India does not accept third-party intervention in its bilateral affairs.” According to officials, the ceasefire was achieved via the Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) channel and not through American intercession.
Background: Escalation After Pahalgam Attack
Tensions between India and Pakistan surged in early May following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of multiple Indian security personnel and civilians. In response, India launched cross-border precision strikes under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan retaliated with drone and artillery attacks along the Line of Control, pushing both nations to the brink.
The hostilities lasted for four days before an agreed-upon ceasefire was reached through military-level talks. While U.S. diplomatic channels, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, remained in contact with both governments, Indian officials maintain that the resolution occurred independently of U.S. mediation.
Political Reactions in India
Trump’s repeated claims have stirred domestic political debate in India. The Congress Party and other opposition leaders have demanded that Modi clarify the government’s position publicly and counter what they see as an attempt to undermine India’s strategic autonomy.
As Trump continues to shape his campaign narrative ahead of the 2026 midterms, his references to foreign policy achievements have placed renewed focus on the India-Pakistan dynamic. Meanwhile, the Modi government remains adamant in its assertion: India managed its security crisis independently—and will continue to resist external involvement in regional matters.
