Trump Claims He Averted Impending India-Pakistan Nuclear War
US President Donald Trump claimed he recently stopped a conflict between India and Pakistan that he said was escalating into a potential nuclear war. Speaking at the White House, Trump asserted that after five planes were shot down, he intervened by threatening trade consequences to de-escalate the situation. While India has consistently denied any US mediation in its conflicts with Pakistan, the repeated claims from a sitting US president introduce a significant and volatile element into the subcontinent's diplomacy.
Unpacked:
The escalation was triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. This event led to heightened tensions and subsequent military actions, including airstrikes and reported aircraft being shot down.
India conducted airstrikes on Pakistani military installations, particularly targeting air defense systems and air bases. Pakistan reported drone incursions and confirmed damage at several sites. Both countries lost aircraft, with up to five planes reportedly shot down during the confrontation.
India has consistently denied any US mediation in its conflicts with Pakistan, maintaining that such matters are bilateral and rejecting claims of external intervention, despite Trump’s repeated assertions.
After four days of intense fighting and strikes, both India and Pakistan accepted a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, ending the immediate conflict. The White House credited President Trump’s intervention as a factor in reaching the ceasefire, though this claim is disputed.