US President Donald Trump, in his recent State of the Union address, made a startling claim regarding his role in averting a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan during last year’s Operation Sindoor. His statements have reignited debate over US involvement in South Asia.
Trump Claims to Have Prevented Nuclear War
Speaking to Congress, Donald Trump asserted that he personally intervened to save the life of Shehbaz Sharif and prevent a nuclear escalation between India and Pakistan in 2025.
Trump stated that without his prompt actions, “Pakistan and India would have fought a nuclear war,” adding that “35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if I hadn’t gotten involved.”
Operation Sindoor and Military Tensions
Trump referenced the 2025 military escalation, known as Operation Sindoor, during which he claimed Indian forces targeted Pakistani military bases, including areas near Karachi, with drones. According to him, Islamabad sought immediate assistance from Washington amid fears of a full-blown conflict.
He also mentioned direct phone calls with Narendra Modi and Sharif, which, according to Trump, resulted in a ceasefire.
Threats and Diplomatic Measures
Trump boasted about threatening to impose 200 percent tariffs on India and Pakistan if hostilities continued, describing the move as a key factor that helped de-escalate tensions.
He cited the Indo-Pak de-escalation as part of his broader record of ending eight wars within his first ten months in office, portraying it as a major diplomatic achievement.
India Denies US Role
Officials in India have consistently rejected Trump’s claims, asserting that the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor was not the result of any external intervention.
Indian authorities maintain that the situation was handled through their own military and diplomatic channels.
Renewed Debate on US Diplomacy in South Asia
Trump’s remarks have sparked renewed discussion about the influence and role of the United States in one of the most volatile regions of the world. Analysts note that claims of unilateral intervention in Indo-Pak affairs are highly controversial and raise questions about the accuracy of presidential statements in foreign policy matters.
As tensions and historical mistrust continue between India and Pakistan, the debate over external involvement remains a sensitive topic in both Washington and South Asia.