In a striking revelation during a press briefing, former US President Donald Trump claimed credit for averting what he described as a “bad nuclear war” between India and Pakistan, following India’s recent military action under Operation Sindoor. Trump stated that both nations were “going at it hot and heavy,” and praised his administration’s swift intervention that he believes prevented a catastrophe.
However, his remarks took an unexpected turn when he went off-script, implying that trade was used as leverage. Trump claimed, “I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys, both countries, so let’s stop it… People have never used trade the way I have used it.”
Contradicting this, Indian government sources told NDTV that no discussion of trade took place in official conversations. Vice President Vance reportedly spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 9, while Secretary Rubio had conversations with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. “There was no reference to trade in any of these discussions,” sources confirmed.
Just under an hour after Trump’s statements, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation with a resolute message. Without directly naming Trump, PM Modi declared that India will not succumb to “nuclear blackmail” and emphasized that Operation Sindoor marks a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine.
“Operation Sindoor is not just an operation, but a doctrinal change in India’s policy to combat terror,” said PM Modi. He made it clear that India will strike at terrorist bases “wherever they are located” and will respond “precisely and decisively” in the face of aggression.
He also clarified that the operation has not ended but has been suspended, contingent upon Pakistan’s commitment to dismantling terror infrastructure. “The strikes are not over, they have only been suspended,” he warned, indicating that India is watching Pakistan’s actions closely and will not hesitate to act again if promises are broken.
PM Modi’s firm stance reflects the country’s growing resolve to tackle terrorism without compromise. “India will not differentiate between the government sponsoring terrorism and the masterminds of the terror attack,” he said, in a clear warning to those who continue to shelter and support extremist elements.
The tragic escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors is a somber reminder of the fragile peace in the region. As global leaders watch closely, the people of both nations, and indeed the world, hope that diplomacy, accountability, and mutual restraint prevail over aggression and fear.