By Bharat Global Time News Desk | June 1, 2025
In classic Donald Trump fashion, the former U.S. President stirred headlines again—this time by taking credit for what he called a “potentially nuclear disaster averted” between India and Pakistan. Speaking at a press event in Washington D.C. on May 31, 2025, Trump said, rather matter-of-factly, “We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned into a nuclear disaster.”
While such remarks aren’t new from Trump, they’ve reignited conversations across South Asia about the nature of U.S. involvement in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints
The Claim: Trump as the Peacekeeper?
According to Trump, the key to stopping the conflict wasn’t backdoor diplomacy or pressure politics—it was trade.
“We can’t trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons,” Trump told reporters, suggesting that Washington’s trade leverage over both nations was instrumental in cooling down tensions that flared up earlier this year.
This statement comes just weeks after a tense military standoff between India and Pakistan near the Line of Control, which saw a brief exchange of fire, heightened alert levels, and global concerns over escalation.
How Did India Respond?
India’s official stance, however, paints a very different picture.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar was quick to dismiss any notion that external influence led to the de-escalation. Instead, he credited India’s firm military posture and Operation Sindoor, a precise and calculated maneuver carried out by Indian forces, for bringing Pakistan to the negotiation table.
“India acted with strategic clarity and full awareness of the stakes involved. We didn’t need someone else to lecture us on how to protect our sovereignty,” Jaishankar reportedly told officials during a security briefing.
Trade Diplomacy or Tactical Deterrence?
While Trump’s narrative focuses on trade as a tool of peacekeeping, analysts argue that India’s firm response—both diplomatically and militarily—was the actual turning point.
That said, the U.S. does play a significant behind-the-scenes role in South Asian stability. Washington maintains deep economic and defense ties with both India and Pakistan, and diplomatic outreach from U.S. envoys often helps cool down flare-ups before they spiral.
But claiming sole credit? That’s a Trump specialty.
Why Does This Matter Now?
Trump’s statement comes at a time when:
- He’s ramping up his 2024 campaign messaging.
- Global attention is shifting back to Asia, especially post-Ukraine.
- India is asserting its position as a self-reliant strategic power.
The political subtext? Trump is appealing to his voter base by showcasing himself as a “world dealmaker”—a theme central to his foreign policy narrative during his first presidency.
Final Word: Narrative vs. Nuance
While Trump’s words may have caught headlines, the ground reality is more complex. India and Pakistan continue to share a volatile and deeply mistrustful relationship, and credit for de-escalation isn’t so easily assigned.
In the end, this isn’t just about one man’s claim to global diplomacy—it’s about how narratives are shaped, spun, and sold on the international stage.
As always, Bharat Global Time brings you the story behind the statement—no filters, no frills.
