Donald Trump claims he prevented a potential war between India and Pakistan. Trump stated that trade and phone calls calmed both nations, adding that the US would not trade with warring countries.
Trump: Former US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that he prevented a war-like situation between India and Pakistan through negotiation and the threat of trade sanctions. Trump maintains that he de-escalated tensions through personal conversations with leaders from both countries. However, India has consistently maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and that there is no role for a third party.
Trump's Claim on India-Pakistan Tensions
Former US President Donald Trump has once again made a significant statement regarding India and Pakistan. He claimed to have played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions and preventing a war between the two nations. According to Trump, he engaged in personal conversations with leaders from both countries and helped avert a war-like situation through the leverage of trade relations.
Trump made this statement during a bill-signing ceremony at the White House. He claimed that following Indian action, Pakistan was preparing a retaliatory strike, potentially involving nuclear weapons. However, he asserted that his intervention brought the situation under control.
Attempting to End a 'Two-Thousand-Year-Old Enmity'
Trump, known for his often controversial and hyperbolic statements, made a similar claim this time. He stated that when he asked India and Pakistan how long their animosity had lasted, he received the reply, "Two thousand years." Trump described this as a major problem, stating his desire to end the tension and bring the two countries together.
War Averted by Phone Calls and Trade Threats?
Trump said he called the leaders of India and Pakistan and discussed trade relations. He warned both countries that the US would not trade with them if they went to war. According to Trump, this warning led both countries to back down from war. He stated that he respects the leaders of both India and Pakistan and maintains good relations with them.
India's Military Action and Pakistan's Response
This statement comes after a recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. In response to this attack, India launched 'Operation Sundar', destroying nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province.
Pakistan attempted to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on India, but these attempts failed. India then retaliated, destroying six Pakistani air bases. A tense situation prevailed between the two countries for four days, after which a ceasefire was declared following talks at the DGMO level.
India's Clear Policy: A Bilateral Issue
India's position on Trump's claims has been consistent. India has always reiterated that Kashmir is a bilateral issue and that no third country can have a role in it. India has attributed the ceasefire to the outcome of DGMO-level talks, not to any external pressure.
In the past, when Trump offered mediation on the Kashmir issue, India had categorically rejected it. India's diplomatic policy has always been based on the principle that the Kashmir issue should not be raised on international forums.
White House Spokesperson's Statement
Two days prior, White House spokesperson T. Bruce stated that former US President Donald Trump could do anything on any issue. This statement came in response to questions about US intervention in the Kashmir matter. However, Trump's statement comes at a time when the official position of the US itself remains unclear.
