Saturday, March 29, 2025
Washington / New Delhi, July 15, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again sparked global headlines with a sensational claim: that his intervention prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan that could have erupted within a week. Trump stated he used trade pressure to de-escalate tensions, asserting that his diplomacy was crucial in halting a dangerous standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking from Washington, Trump declared:
“The situation between India and Pakistan was extremely dangerous. If we hadn’t intervened, there would have been a nuclear war in one week. We used trade leverage to stop it. I told both sides: until you resolve this, we won’t trade with you.”
India has dismissed similar assertions by Trump in the past, firmly stating that no third-party mediation was involved in managing tensions with Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently maintained that India-Pakistan issues are bilateral, and there’s no room for external interference.
The context behind Trump’s remark likely refers to events following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan.
Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Indian cities. However, India’s advanced air defense systems reportedly neutralized the incoming threats, preventing casualties or damage.
Amid escalating military action, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) from Pakistan reached out to his Indian counterpart, requesting a halt to further operations. This outreach was seen as a sign that Pakistan was seeking de-escalation.
India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, asserted that Operation Sindoor was a complete success, carried out with precision and without any damage to Indian forces or assets.
He added, “Our mission was strategically planned and flawlessly executed. India acted in self-defense and demonstrated its military superiority.”
Trump’s claim of having stopped a potential nuclear war has ignited debates across international diplomatic circles. While he portrays himself as a crisis manager who used economic threats to push for peace, India attributes the prevention of escalation solely to its military preparedness and strategic operations.
So far, Pakistan has not issued any official response to Trump’s recent statement.
As geopolitical tensions in South Asia remain under watch, Trump’s bold declaration adds a new layer of political drama. Whether viewed as self-promotion or a genuine diplomatic effort, his assertion is unlikely to alter India’s strong stance on self-reliant security strategy and non-interference in bilateral issues.
