The recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan has become a subject of debate, with former US President Donald Trump claiming credit for brokering the agreement. This claim has been met with skepticism and denial from India, while Pakistan has offered a more nuanced response.
On May 10, 2025, Trump announced that Washington had mediated a truce after a "long night of talks" between the two sides. This announcement came even before official statements from New Delhi and Islamabad. Following the ceasefire announcement, Trump further offered to help find a solution to the Kashmir issue.
India's Response
India has firmly denied any foreign role in the ceasefire agreement. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that the understanding was worked out between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries. The request for the call between the DGMOs was received by the Ministry of External Affairs from the Pakistani High Commission. The specific date, time, and wording of the understanding were worked out between the DGMOs during their phone call on May 10, 2025.
India has also cautioned other countries against falling for Pakistan's "nuclear bluff". Furthermore, India has maintained its long-standing position that any issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir must be addressed bilaterally between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan's Response
While India has outright denied US mediation, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the US, as well as Saudi Arabia and China, for their help in mediating the ceasefire.
Trump's Rationale
At the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump said he offered trade incentives to New Delhi and Islamabad. He stated that he told them, "Fellas come on, let's make a deal. Let's do some trading. Let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make". India has refuted that trade was discussed during discussions with US officials, stating that discussions were restricted to military operations.
Background
Reports indicate that talks between India and Pakistan were already underway before Trump's announcement. Concerns reportedly grew in the White House as the exchange of artillery, drones, and missiles between India and Pakistan increased. Washington feared that the conflict between the two nuclear powers could spiral out of control. This led the US to shift from a "not my monkey, not my circus" approach to attempting to play the role of peacemaker.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Trump has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. In 2019, he claimed that Prime Minister Modi had invited him to mediate on Kashmir, which India instantly denied.
Analysis
Whether Trump's claim of brokering the ceasefire holds merit remains debatable. India has consistently maintained that the agreement was reached bilaterally through military channels. Pakistan's acknowledgement of US efforts, alongside those of other countries, suggests a more nuanced view. Regardless of the extent of US involvement, the ceasefire represents a welcome de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
