In a contemporary spherical of controversial remarks, US President Donald Trump has reiterated his declare that his administration was instrumental in stopping a full-scale navy battle—presumably even a nuclear catastrophe—between India and Pakistan earlier this month.

Talking at a press convention within the Oval Workplace, flanked by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump mentioned that commerce diplomacy performed a key position in de-escalating the tensions between the 2 nuclear-armed neighbours.

“We talked commerce and we mentioned, ‘we will’t commerce with individuals which can be taking pictures at one another and doubtlessly utilizing nuclear weapons’,” Trump instructed reporters. “We stopped India and Pakistan from preventing. I consider that would have changed into a nuclear catastrophe.”

Trump thanked the management of each nations and claimed private credit score for the ceasefire. “I wish to thank the leaders of India, the leaders of Pakistan, and I wish to thank my individuals additionally,” he added. “They’re nice leaders. They understood, and so they agreed, and that each one stopped.”

This assertion follows a significant navy escalation in South Asia, triggered by a terror assault on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 individuals, largely vacationers. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, focusing on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over the next two weeks, either side engaged in intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

A ceasefire settlement was lastly introduced on Might 10, bringing aid to the area. Whereas Trump claims his administration helped dealer the peace, the Indian authorities has categorically acknowledged that the understanding was reached straight between the Director Generals of Navy Operations (DGsMO) of India and Pakistan. Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar additional clarified that no third get together was concerned, and any future assaults can be met with robust retaliatory motion.

Trump’s newest remarks have reignited debate over America’s involvement in South Asian diplomacy. His assertion that the US has the “biggest navy on the earth” and will struggle “higher than anyone” appeared extra like a veiled warning than mere commentary. “We’re stopping others from preventing additionally,” Trump added, hinting at America’s broader geopolitical posture.

The President’s feedback got here simply weeks after the controversial appointment of Elon Musk as head of the Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE), a task he’s now stepping down from. The Oval Workplace assembly marked one of many ultimate appearances of Musk in that capability.

Trump has made comparable claims earlier than, crediting his management for previous diplomatic breakthroughs. Nonetheless, this time, the timing and tone of his statements have drawn each consideration and skepticism, particularly in India, the place officers preserve that the ceasefire was the results of direct bilateral engagement, not exterior mediation.

As tensions stay excessive and Operation Sindoor technically on maintain—not concluded—India’s place on cross-border terrorism stays agency. The ceasefire might have halted strikes for now, however the long-standing points between the 2 neighbours are removed from resolved.