Washington/New Delhi — Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a vital move that prevented potential catastrophe, and claiming a behind-the-scenes role by the United States in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. His statement, posted on Truth Social, alluded to fears of a nuclear confrontation and praised both countries for demonstrating restraint.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan,” Trump wrote. “Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.” He further asserted that without the ceasefire, “millions of good and innocent people could have died.”
The ceasefire agreement, announced Saturday, followed days of intense cross-border shelling and military buildup. While India credited the de-escalation to direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs), Trump suggested Washington had played a discreet but instrumental role in brokering peace. He also hinted at broader American ambitions to increase trade ties with both countries and floated the possibility of renewed engagement on the Kashmir dispute, saying he would “work with [India and Pakistan] to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.”
His remarks, however, revived old diplomatic fault lines, particularly in New Delhi, where India has long maintained that Kashmir is a strictly bilateral issue, rejecting any third-party mediation. The Indian government reiterated its position firmly, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stating: “India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
The opposition Congress party also reacted sharply, with General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioning the implication of external mediation. Referring to Trump’s mention of a potential “neutral site” for dialogue, Ramesh asked, “Have we abandoned the Simla Agreement? Have we opened the doors to third-party mediation?” Congress has demanded an all-party meeting to discuss the broader implications of the recent Operation SIndoor, India’s cross-border strike targeting terror camps inside Pakistan.
While the ceasefire has been cautiously welcomed across the region and by the international community, questions remain about its sustainability, the credibility of American involvement, and the long-term direction of Indo-Pakistani diplomacy. Trump’s overtures, laden with both praise and provocation, have reopened a familiar debate about foreign influence in South Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical fault line.
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