Trump Claims to Have Mediated India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Sparking Controversy
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that he prevented potential conflict. His assertions, however, conflict with India’s narrative that Pakistan initiated the ceasefire request following India’s air strikes. The situation places pressure on Prime Minister Modi’s administration, raising questions over U.S. involvement in the dialogue.
In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump once again emphasized his role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, asserting that he was instrumental in preventing potential conflict. During a speech on May 30, Trump claimed, “We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned into a nuclear disaster.” He extended thanks to the leaders of both nations and his administration for their involvement.
Trump continued by noting the significance of trade relations, stating, “We can’t trade with people that are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons.” He praised the leadership of both countries, suggesting that they understood the gravity of the situation and agreed to halt military actions. He also asserted, “We have the greatest military in the world,” indicating a readiness to maintain stability in the region.
However, Trump’s claims have raised questions and possibly embarrassment for the Indian government, which has been pursuing an aggressive stance on counter-terrorism. Following the ceasefire, the Indian narrative has been that the request for a truce came from Pakistan’s military, particularly its Director-General of Military Operations, seeking to de-escalate tension after India conducted air strikes on Pakistani military installations.
Despite this official version of events from Indian leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, there has been no direct response from New Delhi to Trump’s declaration. The lack of communication raises eyebrows as to why the U.S. President announced the ceasefire ahead of official confirmations from either nation’s leadership.
Since the ceasefire, Trump’s statements suggest he believes the U.S. offer of trading opportunities was a driving force behind the agreement. His rhetoric could be perceived as conflicting with Modi’s doctrine that India would not submit to “nuclear blackmail,” as Trump asserts he staved off nuclear risks.
Adding to the controversy, a recent legal filing from the Trump administration revealed that Commerce Secretary Howard W. Lutnick confirmed that trade agreements were used as leverage to prevent a large-scale conflict, suggesting a calculated approach to foreign relations in South Asia. This filing further complicates the narrative and could place additional pressure on the Modi government to clarify its position on U.S. involvement in the ceasefire negotiations.
In summary, Trump’s claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan have sparked controversy, leading to questions about the Indian government’s narrative of events. While he posits that U.S. trade offers played a role in maintaining peace, Indian officials maintain that the ceasefire was a request from Pakistan. The implications of these differing accounts continue to affect the political landscape and call for clarity from New Delhi regarding its response to Trump’s assertions.
Original Source: m.thewire.in
