Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again reignited debate over his role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan in 2019, claiming he “averted a nuclear war” by brokering a ceasefire during the volatile aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. Speaking at a campaign rally in Michigan, Trump asserted, “It was going to be a nuclear war between Pakistan and India — I got them to stop. Nobody gives me credit for that.”
Trump’s Claim: A Bold Assertion
This is not the first time Trump has made such a claim. He has previously stated in interviews and speeches that his administration played a critical behind-the-scenes role in preventing the escalation of hostilities after the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel and was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In retaliation, India launched airstrikes on what it described as terrorist training camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Pakistan responded by shooting down an Indian MiG-21 jet and capturing its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The world watched anxiously as nuclear-armed neighbors appeared to inch toward the brink of war.
According to Trump, this is when he stepped in. “I called both sides and I said, ‘You’ve got to stop this.’ It was very tense. They were ready to go. But we got it under control. That was a big deal.”
The Reality of Diplomatic Efforts
While Trump’s remarks emphasize his personal involvement, the actual diplomatic efforts were more nuanced and involved multiple international stakeholders. The United States, along with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China, did engage in back-channel diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Indian officials, however, have never confirmed any direct American mediation. Instead, they have maintained that Pakistan’s decision to release Wing Commander Varthaman was a gesture taken under international pressure, including from the U.S., but not due to any specific brokered agreement by the Trump administration.
Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi acknowledged U.S. involvement in de-escalation talks but denied that any ceasefire deal was formally brokered by Washington.
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Political Timing and Implications
Trump’s renewed claim comes at a politically charged time, with the 2024 U.S. presidential elections behind him and the 2025 campaign trail heating up. Critics view his comments as an attempt to bolster his foreign policy credentials and showcase his crisis management abilities, while others see them as exaggerated self-promotion.
In India, Trump’s remarks have stirred mixed reactions. Some strategic analysts suggest that the former President may be highlighting real but informal efforts that helped ease tensions, while others warn against over-simplifying the complexities of India-Pakistan diplomacy.
Strategic Context: A Fragile Balance
The India-Pakistan rivalry has long been one of the most dangerous flashpoints in global geopolitics, with both nations possessing nuclear weapons and a history of wars and border skirmishes. The Pulwama-Balakot episode marked one of the closest encounters in decades, and international mediation — formal or informal — played a role in de-escalating the situation.
While the extent of Trump’s personal involvement remains debatable, his claim sheds light on the often unseen, high-stakes world of backchannel diplomacy that continues to play a crucial role in South Asian stability.
Conclusion
Whether Trump truly averted a nuclear disaster may never be fully known, but his comments have once again spotlighted the fragile peace between India and Pakistan — and the significant role global powers play in keeping it intact. As tensions persist in the region, the world remains alert to any moves that could either threaten or reinforce that delicate balance.