Washington, June 18, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed credit for helping broker the recent ceasefire between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India, following a brief but intense five-day conflict. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States played a “big role” in halting hostilities in South Asia.
“We stopped the war between Pakistan and India,” Trump declared, reaffirming his administration’s active diplomatic engagement in the region. He praised Pakistan as a “nuclear power with very good people” and expressed deep respect for the country.
Trump also singled out Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling him “a very influential man” and crediting him with playing a crucial role in bringing the conflict to an end. “He was instrumental in stopping the fighting,” Trump said.
The U.S. President is scheduled to host Field Marshal Munir for a private lunch at the White House later today. According to reports from a British news agency, the meeting will be held behind closed doors, with no official agenda disclosed, sparking speculation and concern in regional capitals — particularly in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Indian media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to President Trump in a 35-minute phone call earlier. During the call, Modi reportedly rejected any notion of third-party mediation in India’s dealings with Pakistan.r
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later clarified that Modi reiterated India’s longstanding policy of opposing external intervention. He further stated that India’s military campaign, Operation Sindoor, remains ongoing.
These developments come amid heightened tensions in South Asia, with the United States appearing to take on a more assertive diplomatic role — a move that has drawn mixed reactions, especially from India, which continues to reject outside involvement in its regional conflicts.
