Trump Reiterates Role in India-Pakistan De-escalation Amid India's Denial

By A Staff Reporter

Washington, D.C., May 22 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stated that he played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 incident, claiming that trade negotiations influenced a de-escalation. His remarks, however, come in contrast to India’s official stance, which firmly rejects third-party involvement in its dealings with Pakistan.

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump said, “We settled that whole [situation], and I think I settled it through trade. Somebody had to be the last one to shoot.” He characterized the situation as deteriorating before the alleged intervention and took partial credit for calming the conflict.

India has consistently maintained that no external party mediated or facilitated any resolution. Officials have emphasized that Operation Sindoor, its military response to the April 22 attack, has merely been paused — not concluded — and that Pakistan remains under close observation. India's policy remains rooted in bilateral resolution of such matters and in protecting its sovereignty.

While Trump’s narrative may resonate with his political messaging on leadership and global influence, international observers and Indian authorities view the situation differently. India’s stance on rejecting third-party mediation in Pakistan-related matters has long been a key pillar of its foreign policy.