Trump Claims Role in Halting Conflict Between India and Pakistan

New Delhi: United States President Donald Trump has once again asserted his role in mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, claiming that he has 'stopped eight wars' in total, including this long-standing conflict. His comments were made during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office.

During the press interaction, Trump stated, "I've actually stopped eight wars. I have another one to go with Putin. I'm a little surprised that Putin has taken longer than I thought, but we stopped India and Pakistan." He elaborated on his assertion by saying, "Many of these leaders have come in, and they signed their peace deals right here in the Oval Office," without specifying which countries he was referring to.

This statement was not the first time Trump has claimed credit for halting potential conflict between India and Pakistan. His original assertion came on May 10, when he announced a 'full and immediate ceasefire' during tensions that arose between the two nations. Since that announcement, he has repeated his involvement in mediating peace on over 60 occasions across various platforms, including speeches in different countries.

The Indian National Congress party has responded sharply to Trump's claims. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed frustration at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter, stating, "When President Trump claims 60 times that Operation Sindoor was stopped because of him, why does Modi not openly contradict him?" Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of missing opportunities to defend India's stance against such assertions.

Ramesh further commented on the situation, saying, "Just when it appeared that the claims had stopped, President Trump has reminded the world again," referencing Trump's repeated claims during his interactions not just in the United States but also in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.

The Indian government has consistently denied any third-party involvement in mediating conflicts with Pakistan, reinforcing its position that diplomatic discussions should remain bilateral. However, Pakistan has acknowledged Trump's role in facilitating dialogue, with former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif even nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize for his supposed efforts in stopping the conflict.

Trump's assertions have sparked debates about the role of external mediators in Indo-Pakistani relations, a sensitive topic given the historical complexities and tensions that characterise the relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Experts note that while dialogue is essential, the primary responsibility for peace negotiations lies with the nations involved.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, both domestic and international reactions to Trump's remarks highlight the delicate nature of diplomacy in the region. The Indian government is expected to continue addressing these claims in various international forums as it seeks to maintain its stance on sovereignty and bilateral relations.