Trump's India-Pakistan Truce Claim

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that he played a role in averting a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. Trump stated that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him that 35 million people would have died if he had not intervened.

Trump said he ended eight wars in his first 10 months, including the conflict between India and Pakistan. He claimed that the situation could have escalated into a nuclear war.

India has repeatedly denied Trump's claims of mediation and third-party intervention, asserting that a ceasefire was agreed upon through direct talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries.

Background of the Conflict

Trump referred to the military confrontation that followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Trump's Repeated Claims

Since May 10, 2025, Trump has made claims about his role in stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan numerous times. He has stated that his administration used trade agreements and tariff measures to dissuade both countries from escalating tensions. Trump has also cited varying figures regarding the number of jets shot down during the conflict.

India's Response

India has maintained that the ceasefire understanding on May 10, 2025, was the result of direct talks between the two countries. According to India, the request to end military operations came from the Director General of Military Operations in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Donald Trump has claimed that Pakistan's Prime Minister told him 35 million lives were saved because of his intervention in the India-Pakistan conflict. India has denied these claims, stating that the ceasefire was the result of bilateral discussions.