‘Don’t wanna say I did, but I helped,’ Trump on US’s role in easing India-Pak tensions

US President Donald Trump has claimed that his administration played a major role in diffusing rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking to American troops at a military base in Qatar during a Gulf tour, Trump referenced diplomatic efforts that he said helped prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown conflict, as per a viral video of him.

Trump said that the US was instrumental in resolving the crisis. He stated that both countries were satisfied with the outcome and emphasised the importance of focusing on trade rather than conflict. According to him, discussions were held encouraging economic cooperation as a path toward peace.

He said at the event that “I don’t wanna say I did, but I sure as hell helped settle the problem between Pakistan and India last week,”.  

At the time, India and Pakistan had just agreed to a ceasefire following their most serious military confrontation in nearly three decades. Behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement, including efforts led by the US, played a key role in urging both sides to de-escalate. Trump indicated that the approach included promoting trade as an incentive for peace, while also making it clear that failure to cooperate could result in economic consequences.