‘I am very proud’: Trump takes credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire, but what did he actually do

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday. The announcement, made without consulting either country’s military leaders beforehand, declared a “FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE” and credited the agreement to American diplomatic efforts.

This came after four days of heavy fighting across the border, the worst in almost thirty years, which included missile and drone strikes that killed nearly 70 people. The immediate effect of the ceasefire was mixed. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, people were doubtful, even though they were relieved the fighting had stopped.

Many questioned whether India would stick to the ceasefire, pointing to a lack of trust from past agreements, per Reuters. Similarly, a former prime minister of Jammu and Kashmir also doubted whether the truce would last, as reported by CNN.

Trump immediately took credit for ceasefire

Despite the announcement, both India and Pakistan accused each other of breaking the ceasefire within hours of it starting. India said Pakistan was responsible for the violations, while Pakistan insisted it was following the agreement and blamed India instead. Still, the fact that the ceasefire is continuing is a win for us all.

Trump claims U.S. diplomacy played a major role in reaching the agreement. While the exact details are unclear, Trump’s comments strongly suggest that the U.S. was heavily involved in arranging the ceasefire.

His post on Truth Social claimed, “I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have lead to to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions. I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”

The recent fighting caused significant destruction. Along with the reported deaths, infrastructure was damaged, including a major power plant in Uri, India, after a Pakistani drone attack. The plant had to stop operations temporarily because its transmission lines were hit. Many people living near the border also fled their homes due to the intense fighting, leading to displacement and hardship.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry appreciated Trump’s comments but stressed the need for a “fair and lasting resolution” to the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the importance of protecting the “basic rights of the Kashmiri people, including their undeniable right to self-determination.”

Even with the ceasefire active, the Indian Air Force kept up its surveillance and assessments, an advised and normal practice in tense situations. The situation remains unstable, but the immediate halt in fighting has likely brought relief to many border communities.