Key Takeaways
- Bold Claim: President Donald Trump said on June 18 that he “stopped the war” between India and Pakistan. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Indian Denial: Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately rejected any U.S. mediation role, insisting the ceasefire was brokered solely by India and Pakistan’s military channels. reuters.com
- Fact-Check: No public record from May’s four‑day conflict shows U.S.-led talks; official documents cite direct DGMO hotline communications on May 10. reuters.com
Background
In early May 2025, India and Pakistan clashed along the Line of Control after a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 civilians. Within four days, both sides agreed to a ceasefire effective 5:00 pm IST on May 10 — following direct military‑to‑military discussions, not third‑party mediation. reuters.com
Trump’s Claim and Modi’s Response
Trump’s Statement:
Speaking after hosting Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, Trump told reporters, “I stopped the war between Pakistan and India — and nobody reported it.” timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Modi’s Rebuttal:
On the same day, PM Modi spoke with Trump by phone, making clear India “will not accept third‑party mediation” in its disputes with Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri affirmed all ceasefire talks occurred via the DGMO hotline on May 10, with no U.S. role. reuters.com
Expert Analysis
“The 2025 India–Pakistan ceasefire was a direct outcome of longstanding hot‑line protocols, not external brokering,” says Dr. Ayesha Siddiqui, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Brookings Institution (@asiddiqui_brookings). “U.S. commentary, while well‑intentioned, risks overshadowing the agency of regional actors.”
What Happens Next?
- U.S.–India Relations: Despite the spat, both countries reaffirmed strong trade ties and security partnerships at the G7 summit.
- Pakistan’s Stance: Islamabad thanked Trump for hosting Munir but has not credited U.S. efforts with the ceasefire.
- Regional Outlook: Military hotlines remain active; both sides vow to avoid escalation but maintain robust border patrols.
Daily Digest
Ongoing Coverage:
- June 19: Modi to visit Washington for Quad summit — any follow‑up on this claim?
- June 20: Pakistan opens airspace to new flight routes; return to pre‑conflict norms.
- June 21: Expert panel at Brookings on “Third‑Party Mediation in South Asia” (live webcast).
