Trump Mentions India-Pak Ceasefire in Meeting With South African President, Says It Was Settled Through Trade

United States  President Donald Trump on Wednesday, brought up the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, while he was meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa  at the White House. He claimed that he had “settled” it after both countries after the escalation.

“If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade,” Trump said. He added that the US was pursuing trade agreements with both nations, “And I said, ‘What are you guys doing?’” Hindustan Times quoted Trump.

He continued to say, “Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. But the shooting was getting worse and worse, bigger and bigger, deeper and deeper into the countries. And we spoke to them, and I think we, you know, I hate to say we got it settled, and then two days later, something happens, and they say it's Trump's fault," speaking about the escalation.

Furthermore, speaking of the top politicians in India and Pakistan, he said, "But... Pakistan has got some excellent people and some really good, great leader. And India is my friend, Modi.” 

Ramaphosa responded, “Modi, mutual friend.”

“He’s a great guy and I called them both. It’s something good,” Trump added, as per HT.

The disagreement over ceasefire:

Trump was the first one to announce the May 10 ceasefire, even before India and Pakistan, and has since claimed that he “helped settle” the escalation that was rapidly unfolding between the two countries.

"After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!", Trump posted on his Truth Social handle.

But the Indian government has indirectly denied the Trump administration’s claims. 

Official statements released by the government retain that the ceasefire understanding was a result of bilateral discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGsMO) of India and Pakistan.

"Pakistan's Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) called Indian DGMO at 3:35 PM earlier this afternoon. It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from 1700 hours Indian Standard Time. Today, instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The Directors General of Military Operations will talk again on the 12th of May at 1200 hours," stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

What was the escalation?

Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a new boiling point after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, including one Nepali tourist.

India stated it has credible information which linked Pakistan and Pak-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba to the attack, despite Islamabad and the group's denial.

14 days after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Armed Forces launched military strikes across nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. 

On May 8, Pakistan then proceeded to launch drone intrusions along the LoC and International Border, triggering air raid sirens and blackouts across Northern and Western states in India.