Trump again claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire, says he ‘settled it through trade’

U.S. President Donald Trump with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (AFP)

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he had “settled" the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, during his meeting with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House.

Donald Trump said his efforts to pursue trade agreements with India and Pakistan to help ease tensions following Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The US President asserted that his administration is working on “big deals” with both countries and hinted at his personal role in defusing the conflict.

Talking about the situation between India and Pakistan, Donald Trump remarked, “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade."

“Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. But the shooting was getting worse and worse, bigger and bigger, deeper and deeper into the countries,” Trump further added.

“And we spoke to them… I called them both.” Trump said.

He continued, “And we spoke to them, and I think we, you know, I hate to say we got it settled, and then two days later, something happens, and they say it’s Trump’s fault."

Trump spoke about the leadership in both countries, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “my friend,” prompting the South African President to reply, “Modi, mutual friend.” Trump went on to say, “He’s a great guy… It’s something good.”

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he played a significant role in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan. However, India has consistently rejected any third-party involvement, stating that the recent ceasefire with Pakistan was a bilateral agreement negotiated directly between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations.