US President Donald Trump has once again said he helped stop a conflict between India and Pakistan. Speaking from the Oval Office during an event marking Elon Musk’s exit from his advisory role, Trump said trade played a key role in the negotiations.
“We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned into a nuclear disaster,” Trump stated. He added, “We talk trade, and we say we can’t trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons. They’re great leaders in those countries, and they understood and they agreed.”
India responds with clarification
However, India has disagreed with Trump’s version of events. The Indian government clarified that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was achieved through direct military communication, not because of trade talks.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue. He said, “Our position on this particular issue that you mentioned has been well articulated. I would refer you to our position that was made clear on May 13.”
Ceasefire followed Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. Indian forces carried out targeted strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). India also responded to Pakistani attacks by striking their airbases.
By May 10, both sides agreed to stop military action after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart.
No trade link in ceasefire talks
Jaiswal confirmed that US and Indian leaders spoke during the operation. However, he stressed that trade or tariffs were never discussed. He said, “The issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions.”
External Affairs Minister also made it clear that the ceasefire was a result of direct talks between the DGMOs of both countries, not international mediation.
