US President Donald Trump has claimed that his intervention prevented a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan, stating that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that up to 35 million people could have died if the conflict had escalated further.

Speaking during his State of the Union address, Trump said his diplomatic efforts played a key role in defusing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours during the 2025 military confrontation. He asserted that Sharif personally acknowledged the devastating consequences Pakistan could have faced if hostilities had continued.

Trump told US lawmakers that millions of lives were at stake and suggested that Pakistan’s leadership itself had recognised the seriousness of the situation. He described the crisis as one of the most dangerous global flashpoints, emphasising that his administration’s involvement helped prevent a catastrophic outcome.

Background: Operation Sindoor and Military Escalation

The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply in May 2025 following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The military standoff lasted several days, with both sides engaging in strikes and counter-strikes. The confrontation raised international alarm due to the nuclear capabilities of both nations and the risk of escalation into a wider conflict. Eventually, both countries stepped back from further military action, restoring relative calm along the border.

India Rejects Mediation Claims

India has consistently rejected claims of third-party mediation, maintaining that the de-escalation was achieved through direct communication between Indian and Pakistani military officials. New Delhi has reiterated its long-standing position that all disputes with Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally without external involvement. Indian authorities have emphasised that diplomatic and military channels between the two countries were sufficient to manage the crisis and prevent further escalation.

Pakistan’s Response and Broader Implications

Pakistan has previously acknowledged international diplomatic engagement during the crisis but has not publicly confirmed Trump’s specific claim regarding casualty projections.

Trump’s remarks have once again drawn global attention to the fragile security balance in South Asia and the risks associated with military confrontation between nuclear-armed states. His comments are also likely to reignite debate over the role of international actors in preventing escalation between India and Pakistan. The episode underscores the continuing volatility of regional security and the importance of diplomatic mechanisms in preventing large-scale conflict. 

This image is taken from India Today.