Donald Trump once again claimed that his administration played an instrumental role in brokering the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, attributing its de-escalation to trade negotiations. Speaking during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump stated “We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade,” emphasizing major trade agreements currently ongoing between both countries. The Times of India + YouTube + Geo News = Rediff Trump’s statements echo earlier assertions this month in which he suggested U.S. intervention through economic leverage had helped reduce tension along the border, including by asking each side directly “‘What are you guys doing?’,” as part of an approach which directly involved himself with both nations’ leaders. Rediff. +3; Geo News = 3, Economic Times = 4. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly refuted Trump’s assertions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar explained that hostilities had ended through direct dialogue between both nations on May 10, when Pakistan signaled its readiness to cease fire and India responded accordingly. Furthermore, while various nations including the U.S. did reach out during this crisis period for help and mediation services were used, actual resolution was bilateral in nature. John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and author of “Donald Trump Takes Credit for Everything,” expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s involvement in peace negotiations between India and Pakistan despite taking credit for them himself. This comment appeared in The Economic Times by @EconomicTimes umplut (+1); also read @The Times of India for the same article. The ceasefire, which took effect on May 10, ended a period of intense conflict sparked by an April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir that India blamed on Pakistan-based militants. India responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Pakistani military sites, leading to retaliatory strikes from Pakistan; both countries reported civilian casualties as well as troop mobilizations on both sides. (Wikipedia +4 Financial Times | Rediff) While the ceasefire has held so far, mutual accusations of violations continue. India and Pakistan have both launched diplomatic offensives to shape global perceptions – India emphasizing Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism while Pakistan depicting India as regional aggressor – reflecting their anxieties over shifting international allegiances, particularly since U.S. President Donald Trump intervened to broker a ceasefire agreement (Financial Times; Wikipedia); As events unfold, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring events closely and is encouraging all sides to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic engagement over confrontation.
