Trump praises Sharif during US visit, mentions India-Pak ceasefire again

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he played a major role in ending the conflict between India and Pakistan. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said he prevented a potential nuclear war between the two countries and “saved millions of lives.” He recalled Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the US and repeated that Sharif had praised him for his intervention in the conflict.

Trump said, “The Prime Minister of Pakistan got up the other day. He said so beautifully that The President [Trump] saved millions of lives. And I think what he’s referring to is the fact that it would have been with India, nuclear war. That was getting very close.” He also claimed that he had ended eight wars in total, highlighting his role as a global peacemaker.

The India-Pakistan conflict erupted in May 2025 after India launched Operation Sindoor. This military operation was a response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir were killed. During the operation, Indian forces targeted nine terror bases located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with drone strikes along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and along the International Border in western India.

The standoff lasted for several days, creating international concern over escalation. On May 10, 2025, India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire, bringing an end to the immediate conflict. However, before the official announcement from New Delhi and Islamabad, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to declare that he had personally brokered the ceasefire between the neighbouring countries.

Trump also repeated claims about military actions during the conflict, saying that seven jets had been shot down. “You know, seven planes, they don’t talk about it, but seven aircraft were shot down,” he said during his Oval Office address. This statement echoes comments he made in August 2025, though he did not specify which country shot down the jets.

Conflict details and air force actions

During the four-day conflict in May, the Indian Air Force reported multiple aerial victories. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that India shot down five Pakistani jets and one large aircraft, which could have been either an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft or an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft. These strikes were confirmed to have occurred over a distance of about 300 kilometers. The Air Chief Marshal provided details on how Operation Sindoor was carefully planned and executed to minimize civilian casualties while targeting terror bases.

Operation Sindoor marked a strong response from India following the Pahalgam attack, which shocked the nation and prompted immediate military planning. Indian forces aimed to neutralize terrorist networks operating from bases across the border. The operation drew attention internationally, as there were concerns over escalation into a larger war. Both India and Pakistan mobilized their forces, including air and ground units, creating a tense standoff along the Line of Control and the western border.

Trump’s claim of ending the conflict has generated mixed reactions. While he asserts that his intervention prevented nuclear escalation, Indian and Pakistani officials have not officially confirmed the role of the US president in brokering the ceasefire. Analysts note that international pressure, communication between military and diplomatic channels, and local decisions likely played a significant role in ending hostilities.

ALSO READ: Inflammation linked to 60% of global deaths: What you need to know

ALSO READ: Shoe strike at Constitution: tensions rise amid hate speech

Despite the uncertainty, Trump used the conflict to emphasize his image as a peacemaker on the global stage. His repeated statements about saving millions of lives and ending multiple wars align with his broader narrative of international diplomacy achievements.

The Pahalgam attack that triggered Operation Sindoor remains a key point in the timeline. It resulted in 26 casualties and intensified tensions between India and Pakistan. Following the attack, India quickly identified terror bases across the border and launched targeted strikes, signaling a strong response. Pakistan’s retaliatory drone strikes escalated fears of wider conflict, making a ceasefire agreement urgent.

The ceasefire agreement, announced on May 10, allowed both countries to step back from the brink of escalation. Indian and Pakistani officials engaged in talks, and international observers monitored the situation closely. The ceasefire helped prevent further casualties and provided space for diplomatic efforts to manage ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Trump’s comments on the conflict also included claims about ending eight wars, which he repeated in his Oval Office address. These remarks were made in the context of his broader narrative of foreign policy successes. While independent verification of his claims about the India-Pakistan conflict remains unclear, his statements have drawn attention to the May 2025 events and highlighted the role of international diplomacy during regional crises.

The India-Pakistan ceasefire serves as an important reminder of the fragility of peace in South Asia. The military actions, drone strikes, and resulting tensions underline the potential for escalation in the region. At the same time, diplomatic interventions, whether by local governments or international actors, play a key role in preventing wider conflicts.