Thu May 15 14:43:42 UTC 2025: **Headline: Trump Claims Credit for India-Pakistan “Settlement” Amidst Escalating Tensions**

**Doha – May 15, 2025** – U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that he played a key role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, despite evidence suggesting a more complex reality. Speaking to U.S. military personnel at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday, Trump claimed he “helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week, which was getting more and more hostile.”

This marks the sixth time since Saturday, May 10th, that Trump has stated the U.S. brokered a “ceasefire” between the two nations. His claims come after a period of heightened military activity.

Tensions flared following the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 people. India responded with “Operation Sindoor,” precision strikes targeting terror infrastructure on May 7th. Pakistan retaliated with attempts to attack Indian military bases between May 8th and 10th, prompting a fierce counter-attack by Indian forces on Pakistani military installations.

On May 10th, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Pakistan had reached an “understanding” to halt “military action” and “firing” after three days of intense hostilities.

Trump, in his Thursday address, further claimed he encouraged both countries to focus on “trade instead of war.” He painted a picture of near-constant conflict between India and Pakistan, stating, “They have been fighting for about 1,000 years in all fairness.” He added, “We got that settled. Nobody, boy, everybody was very happy. I’ll tell you that looked like it was really going to be escalating out of control.”

On May 10th, Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after a “long night of talks mediated by the United States.”

While an agreement to de-escalate has been reached, the extent of U.S. mediation and influence remains unclear.

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