US President Donald Trump on Wednesday repeated his claim that he “settled” the recent conflict between India and Pakistan through “trade”. “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade," Trump said in remarks in the Oval Office during a meeting with visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
US is doing a "big deal" with both India and Pakistan: Trump
He said the US is doing a "big deal" with both India and Pakistan. “And I said, ‘What are you guys doing?”, Trump said. “Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. But the shooting was getting worse and worse, bigger and bigger, deeper and deeper into the countries. And we spoke to them, and I think we, you know, I hate to say we got it settled, and then two days later, something happens, and they say it's Trump's fault. "But... Pakistan has got some excellent people and some really good, great leader. And India is my friend, Modi,” Trump said to which the South African president replied “Modi, mutual friend”.
“He's a Great guy and I called them both. It's something good,” Trump said.
The US President has been repeatedly claiming that he “helped settle” the tensions between India and Pakistan. India carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.
India-Pakistan ceasefire
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. On May 10, Trump had announced that India and Pakistan agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington.
India refutes Trump's claims
However, India refuted the claims made by the US President, reiterating its policy that India and Pakistan bilaterally address any matter related to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
"As you are aware, we have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian Territory by Pakistan," the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
The MEA further stated that the "issue of trade" did not come up between Indian and US leaders since the commencement of 'Operation Sindoor' and the cessation of hostilities.
(With inputs from agencies)
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