India Rejects Trump's Claim of Preventing Nuclear War with Pakistan

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by claiming credit for preventing a war between India and Pakistan during his tenure. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that his intervention helped avert a potential nuclear conflict between the two South Asian nations.

“We’ve done some great work with India and Pakistan. They may have been moving toward a nuclear attack. I stopped the India-Pakistan war. I don’t know if any other president has done more,” Trump declared, repeating a claim he has made multiple times since leaving office.

Trump further added, “I told both countries — no trade with America if you go to war. That stopped them. Same thing I told Serbia and Kosovo. I said go ahead and fight, but there’ll be no trade with the U.S. if you do. It worked with India and Pakistan.”

He also said that he had directed his administration to cancel all trade agreements with both countries to pressure them into backing down. “We’re working on new agreements with big countries like India, which will allow us to do business freely. Right now, we’re restricted. We’re trying to remove all trade barriers,” Trump claimed.

India's Position: No Third-Party Mediation

India has consistently rejected claims of any third-party mediation in its bilateral matters with Pakistan. In the past, the Indian government has clarified that the de-escalation of tensions with Pakistan occurred following direct military-to-military talks, particularly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries.

India maintains that all matters concerning Pakistan are strictly bilateral and that no foreign intervention was involved in de-escalating tensions, including those that flared up after the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 and the subsequent Balakot airstrike.

Political Implications

Trump's repeated assertions may resonate with sections of his domestic base, especially as he continues to gear up for a potential return to the White House. However, such statements often spark diplomatic sensitivities, particularly with India, which has long maintained its policy of strategic autonomy and bilateral resolution of conflicts.

While Trump’s claims make headlines, they remain largely uncorroborated by official channels in India, which continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy over foreign interference.