Trump Claims He Averted India-Pakistan Nuclear War with Trade Leverage

US President Donald Trump, speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, reignited controversy by claiming his administration prevented a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

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International News: US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, reiterated his claim of averting a nuclear war between India and Pakistan following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which killed 15 Indian soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir, had escalated tensions, with both nations mobilizing forces. 

Trump's Bold Claim on India-Pak Conflict

Trump attributed his success to leveraging trade negotiations, particularly with India, to pressure both nations into de-escalation. “We used trade deals to calm things down,” he stated, suggesting that economic incentives were key to diffusing the crisis. He painted a dire picture, claiming that without his involvement, a nuclear war was imminent within a week. This narrative aligns with Trump’s broader foreign policy approach, emphasizing economic leverage over traditional diplomacy.

India rejects Trump's Mediation Claim

India swiftly rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that the ceasefire was achieved through direct military-to-military talks with Pakistan.  The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement clarifying that no external intervention influenced the resolution, underscoring India’s commitment to handling its regional security independently.

In contrast, Pakistan’s response was less definitive. While acknowledging diplomatic engagements with the US, Pakistani officials credited their own restraint and backchannel talks with India for the de-escalation. This divergence highlights the complex dynamics between the two nations and the US, with Trump’s claims adding a layer of controversy.

Trump claims he averted India-Pakistan War

Trump’s remarks have drawn skepticism from analysts, who argue that his narrative oversimplifies a multifaceted conflict. The claim risks straining US-India relations, given New Delhi’s sensitivity to external involvement. As Trump continues to tout his diplomatic achievements, the international community remains divided on the veracity of his role in averting a South Asian crisis.