US President Donald Trump has once again stirred debate by asserting that he played a pivotal role in halting a potentially catastrophic war between India and Pakistan. Speaking during a recent bilateral meeting, Trump stated that the conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors had escalated to the point where seven fighter jets were downed, a figure higher than the five jets he previously mentioned. He claimed his leverage over trade pressured both sides to back down within 24 hours, preventing the situation from spiraling into nuclear warfare.

According to Trump, the May conflict, sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, rapidly intensified and threatened global security. He described the hostilities as "raging," emphasizing how close the two nations came to nuclear confrontation. Trump asserted that he warned the parties by linking the resumption of trade with an immediate ceasefire, telling them, “We are not doing any trade or anything with you if you keep fighting.” His statement implied that economic pressure was key to de-escalation during those critical days.

However, Indian authorities have repeatedly rejected Trump’s claims of mediation or trade pressure influencing the ceasefire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials clarified that the cessation of hostilities was the result of direct military-to-military communication between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also dismissed any role of third-party interference, stating the ceasefire came from bilateral agreements without Washington’s involvement.

Beyond the political controversy, Trump’s repeated assertions bring attention to the fragile balance between diplomacy, military tensions, and economic considerations in conflict resolution. The idea of using trade leverage to influence geopolitical outcomes is not new, but its applicability in conflicts between nuclear neighbors remains contentious. Experts suggest that while economic sanctions and trade pressures can serve as tools, successful de-escalation in sensitive regions often requires multifaceted approaches, including direct negotiations and confidence-building measures.

In conclusion, President Trump’s latest comments remind the world of the ongoing volatility behind prolonged India-Pakistan tensions and the international interest in preventing escalation. As both countries continue to navigate their complex relationship, transparency, balanced diplomacy, and respect for bilateral dialogue will be crucial in maintaining peace and stability in South Asia.