Did Donald Trump really mediate between India & Pakistan?

In a recent turn of events, US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for brokering a truce between India and Pakistan, suggesting that trade offers were instrumental in settling the conflict. However, this assertion has been met with strong denial from Indian officials, particularly External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who insists that the ceasefire was a bilateral achievement.

This controversy not only highlights the complexities of international diplomacy but also reignites concerns about the "hyphenation" of India and Pakistan in US foreign policy.

Is Trump a gasbag?

Donald Trump's statement, made during a meeting, has sparked significant debate. According to a video shared by ANI on X (formerly Twitter), Trump asserted, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India, we settled that whole thing... through trade."

This claim suggests a direct role in mediating the ceasefire, a notion that has been contested by Indian authorities.

#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India, we settled that whole thing, and I think I settled it through trade. We're doing a big deal with India. We're doing a big deal with Pakistan...Somebody had to be the last one… pic.twitter.com/oaM6nCJCLi

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2025

India's firm denial

India's response has been unequivocal. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has insisted time and again that the ceasefire was achieved through direct communication between India and Pakistan, without any third-party mediation.

In an interview, Jaishankar stated, "The ceasefire was worked out bilaterally between India and Pakistan." This stance is supported by reports from Firstpost, which detail how the cessation of hostilities was a result of military-to-military dialogue following India's "Operation Sindoor" in response to a terror attack.

Re-hyphenation concern

One of the underlying issues for India is the potential return to "hyphenation" in US foreign policy, where India and Pakistan are treated as a single entity. Historically, India has sought to distance itself from such a framing, arguing that a democratic and prosperous India should not be mentioned alongside a nearly impoverished, terrorism-supporting Pakistan.

Trump's claim has reignited fears that this policy could resurface, undermining India's strategic autonomy.

Expert perspectives: 'Trump being Trump'

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton offered a critical perspective on Trump's claim, describing it as typical of the president's style. In a video shared on X, Bolton remarked, "It's Trump being Trump," suggesting that such assertions are part of a pattern where personal credit overshadows diplomatic nuance.

This view is echoed in reports from the mainstream media, which highlight how Trump's approach often prioritises self-aggrandisement.

Anchor: Trump says that if India and Pakistan put aside their conflict, they can grow rich together. Is India's fight with PAK and China holding you back?

S Jaishankar responds pic.twitter.com/n1LyjU5NC2

— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) May 22, 2025

Implications for international relations

The controversy raises broader questions about the role of third-party mediation in bilateral conflicts and the delicate balance of national pride and international relations. For India, maintaining its strategic autonomy and ensuring that its progress is not overshadowed by its neighbour's challenges is paramount.

This incident serves as a reminder of the enduring quest for peace in a region marked by historical tensions.

As the world watches, the India-Pakistan truce controversy underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations. While Trump's claim has been debunked by Indian officials, it has reignited debates about US foreign policy and its impact on regional dynamics. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and the challenges of navigating international politics in an era of bold assertions and national pride.