Trump Reiterates Claim of Ending Indo-Pak Conflict
US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that he played a pivotal role in resolving the conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that he should have won the Nobel Peace Prize 'more than anybody' for settling eight wars, including the one between the two South Asian nations. Speaking on board Air Force One on Wednesday, Trump claimed that the conflict 'was going to be nuclear' and that his intervention prevented a catastrophic escalation.
Details of the Conflict and Trump's Claims
Trump alleged that 11 jets were shot down during the four-day hostilities in May last year, though he did not specify whether these losses were incurred by India, Pakistan, or both. India has previously stated that at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding to stop military actions on May 10.
Pakistan PM's Acknowledgment and India's Stance
Trump said that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited him with saving 30 million to 50 million lives by stopping the Indo-Pak conflict. 'Guess what, it could have been a lot more than that,' Trump added. However, India has consistently denied any third-party intervention. New Delhi maintains that the two sides halted their military actions following direct talks between their militaries without any mediation by the US. Since the conflict, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the fighting ended following his intervention, a narrative that India has refuted.
Impact and Reactions
The Trump administration's claims have sparked debate over the role of external mediation in regional conflicts. While Trump portrays himself as a peacemaker, India's firm stance underscores its policy of bilateral resolution of disputes. The Nobel Peace Prize assertion adds another layer to Trump's self-proclaimed diplomatic achievements, though no official nomination or award has been linked to this specific incident.
