Trump Boasts on India-Pakistan Standoff: 'Modi Did in 5 Hours What I Gave 24 Hours For'

National News: US President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy by claiming that he personally intervened to prevent a major military escalation between India and Pakistan. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said his direct conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi forced the two nuclear-armed neighbors to agree to a ceasefire in May.

Trump, recalling the incident while also referencing his role at the start of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, said he was “ready for war” but managed to defuse tensions. He told his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other members present that his tough stance compelled India and Pakistan to back down.

'I Told Modi, No Deal Without Peace'

The American president recounted his conversation with Prime Minister Modi at the height of the crisis. “I was talking to a very wonderful person, Narendra Modi. I asked him, ‘What’s going on between you and Pakistan?’ There was a lot of hatred for a very long time, hundreds of years under different names. I told him, “I don’t want to do any trade deal with you while you’re fighting.” You’ll end up in a nuclear war. Call me tomorrow, but without peace, there will be no deal. Otherwise, I will impose such high tariffs that your head will spin,” Trump claimed.

Interestingly, these remarks came just hours before Trump’s decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods came into effect. Trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi had already strained relations, and Trump’s claim added another layer of friction.

Ceasefire Within Five Hours

Trump further asserted that his warning to Modi produced results almost instantly. According to him, the ceasefire was reached “within about five hours” of his phone call. “I told Modi to cease fire within 24 hours or we will end all trade deals. And then, within hours, an agreement was announced. Maybe it could start again; I don’t know. But if it does, I will stop it,” Trump said.

Adding to the confusion, Trump has repeatedly changed his version of events. Last month he said that five fighter jets were shot down during the confrontation, but this week he claimed the number was seven—without clarifying which country’s aircraft were destroyed.

India’s Response: 'No Third-Party Role'

India has consistently rejected Trump’s assertions. New Delhi maintains that the May 10 ceasefire was a result of a direct conversation between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. Officials stress that it was a bilateral and unconditional agreement, with no third-party involvement.

Experts say Trump’s latest remarks appear aimed at highlighting his “deal-making” persona ahead of political campaigns, but in reality, they risk misrepresenting sensitive diplomatic matters. For India, the position remains unchanged—peace with Pakistan is a bilateral issue, and no external mediation will be accepted.