Mon May 12 19:16:33 UTC 2025: ## Trump Claims Credit for Averted Nuclear Conflict Between India and Pakistan; Modi Responds with Caution

**New Delhi/Washington D.C. – May 12, 2025** – US President Donald Trump claimed today to have personally prevented a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan, asserting his administration brokered a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed nations. Trump, speaking at a White House press briefing, described the situation as “hot and heavy” and credited his administration, specifically Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio, for their efforts. He went off-script, however, claiming he leveraged trade deals to incentivize the ceasefire, a claim Indian government sources vehemently deny.

“I said, ‘come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys, both countries, so let’s stop it. Stop it if you want trade. If you don’t stop, we’re not going to do any trade’,” Trump recounted, adding that he’d used trade as leverage in a way no other president had.

Indian government sources confirmed that US officials did engage with India following the commencement of “Operation Sindoor,” India’s retaliatory military action, but stated that trade was never discussed. Following Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong address, emphasizing India’s commitment to combating terrorism and its rejection of nuclear blackmail.

Modi confirmed that Operation Sindoor, described as a significant doctrinal shift in India’s counter-terrorism policy, has been *suspended*, not ended, contingent on Pakistan’s fulfillment of promises to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. He warned that India will not tolerate any future acts of nuclear blackmail and will continue to strike decisively at terror bases if necessary. The Prime Minister made it clear that this suspension is conditional, and further military action is possible if Pakistan fails to meet its commitments or attempts to mislead India. He also stated that India will no longer differentiate between the Pakistani government and the perpetrators of terrorist attacks.

The conflicting accounts of the events surrounding the averted crisis leave many questions unanswered regarding the true nature of the ceasefire and the extent of US involvement. The situation remains tense, with India’s commitment to decisive action should Pakistan renege on its promises highlighting the precarious nature of the peace.

Read More