New York, May 14 – U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that the U.S. played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan, claiming he stepped in because he “didn’t like what was happening” and wanted to encourage peace and trade. Speaking aboard Air Force One to Fox News after his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump emphasized that he “did a good job” convincing both countries to step back from conflict.
This marks the fifth time Trump has taken credit for mediating the recent ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following several days of intense cross-border hostilities involving drones and missile attacks.
While Trump credits U.S. involvement, Indian officials maintain that the ceasefire was the result of direct communication between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides, denying the involvement of any third party.
In the interview, Trump praised the leaders of India and Pakistan, calling them “very good” and “smart,” and underscored the dangers of escalating tensions between two nuclear powers. He added that his team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, played a key role in encouraging both nations to prioritize peace and trade over conflict.
Earlier in Riyadh, at the Saudi-U.S. investment forum, Trump told an audience—including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and prominent American figures such as Elon Musk—that he had successfully brokered a ceasefire using trade negotiations as leverage. “Let’s not trade nuclear missiles. Let’s trade goods,” he said, earning applause.
India had launched precision strikes on May 7 under “Operation Sindoor” in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people. Pakistan responded with attempted attacks over the following days. A ceasefire agreement was reached on May 10.
Trump later posted on Truth Social, hailing the ceasefire as a “historic and heroic decision,” and expressing a willingness to work with both nations on the Kashmir issue. However, India has consistently rejected any third-party mediation on Kashmir, insisting that the matter is strictly bilateral and that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh remain integral parts of the country.
