The claim by former US President Donald Trump that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan continues to reverberate, with Russia now seemingly backing this assertion despite repeated denials from New Delhi. This development has sparked political debate within India and raised questions about the evolving dynamics of international relations in the region.

In May 2025, following a period of heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan, Trump claimed that his administration had successfully mediated a ceasefire. This claim was met with immediate pushback from India, which insisted that the ceasefire was a result of direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries, with no external mediation involved. New Delhi has consistently maintained its long-standing position that all issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, without third-party intervention.

However, the narrative took a new turn when a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yury Ushakov, stated that the India-Pakistan conflict was discussed during a recent phone call between Putin and Trump, and that the conflict "has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump." This statement appears to lend credence to Trump's claims, despite India's repeated rebuttals.

The Russian endorsement of Trump's claim has ignited a political storm in India. The opposition Congress party has seized upon Ushakov's remarks to demand clarification from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned whether Modi had compromised India's position by accepting US mediation, a move that would contradict the country's stated policy.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Pakistan has, at times, appeared to support the idea of US involvement. Following the ceasefire, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for his "leadership and proactive role" in facilitating the agreement. This divergence in narratives between India and Pakistan adds to the ambiguity surrounding the circumstances of the ceasefire.

Several factors may be influencing Russia's stance on this issue. Moscow has been seeking to strengthen its ties with both India and Pakistan, pursuing closer economic and strategic cooperation with both countries. Russia has maintained a largely neutral stance on the India-Pakistan conflict, even offering mediation during the recent tensions. Russia's growing engagement with Pakistan, including defense deals and energy cooperation, reflects a strategic shift to diversify its partnerships in the region.

Furthermore, Russia has been advocating for the resumption of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral mechanism, which aims to foster greater cooperation between the three countries. By seemingly endorsing Trump's claim, Russia may be attempting to create a more conducive environment for dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan, potentially under a broader framework involving the US and other global powers.

Despite the conflicting narratives and political implications, the ceasefire between India and Pakistan has held since May 10. Both countries have expressed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Control (LoC). However, the underlying issues that led to the recent escalation remain unresolved, and the future of India-Pakistan relations remains uncertain.

The endorsement of Trump's claim by Russia adds a new layer of complexity to the situation. It raises questions about the role of external actors in managing conflicts in the region and the potential for great power competition to further complicate matters. As India navigates these challenges, it will need to carefully balance its strategic interests, its commitment to bilateralism, and its relationships with key global partners.