In a dramatic press briefing on May 12, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for averting a “bad nuclear war” between India and Pakistan, stating that both nations were on the brink of a devastating conflict. He praised the leadership of both countries, calling them “powerful and unwavering,” and credited his administration, particularly Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Rubio, for brokering what he called a “full and immediate ceasefire.”

Trump went off-script during the briefing, asserting that he leveraged trade as a diplomatic tool. “I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys... If you don’t stop, we’re not going to do any trade,” he claimed. However, Indian government sources promptly dismissed any mention of trade in official conversations, clarifying that discussions focused solely on de-escalation and counterterror efforts.

Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message, rejecting what he called “nuclear blackmail.” Modi said Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift in India’s counter-terror policy, emphasizing that India would strike terror bases decisively, regardless of their location. “India will not differentiate between state and non-state actors when terror is involved,” he warned.

Contrary to Trump’s assertion of a permanent ceasefire, PM Modi clarified that retaliatory action was only suspended, not concluded. “We will assess every step Pakistan takes. If they backtrack, strikes will resume,” he stated firmly.

With rising tensions and global diplomatic efforts underway, India’s position remains uncompromising on terrorism. The message is clear: ceasefire depends on Pakistan’s tangible action, not promises, while India maintains the right to act decisively to defend its sovereignty and security.

In a dramatic press briefing on May 12, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for averting a “bad nuclear war” between India and Pakistan, stating that both nations were on the brink of a devastating conflict. He praised the leadership of both countries, calling them “powerful and unwavering,” and credited his administration, particularly Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Rubio, for brokering what he called a “full and immediate ceasefire.”

Trump went off-script during the briefing, asserting that he leveraged trade as a diplomatic tool. “I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys... If you don’t stop, we’re not going to do any trade,” he claimed. However, Indian government sources promptly dismissed any mention of trade in official conversations, clarifying that discussions focused solely on de-escalation and counterterror efforts.

Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message, rejecting what he called “nuclear blackmail.” Modi said Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift in India’s counter-terror policy, emphasizing that India would strike terror bases decisively, regardless of their location. “India will not differentiate between state and non-state actors when terror is involved,” he warned.

Contrary to Trump’s assertion of a permanent ceasefire, PM Modi clarified that retaliatory action was only suspended, not concluded. “We will assess every step Pakistan takes. If they backtrack, strikes will resume,” he stated firmly.

With rising tensions and global diplomatic efforts underway, India’s position remains uncompromising on terrorism. The message is clear: ceasefire depends on Pakistan’s tangible action, not promises, while India maintains the right to act decisively to defend its sovereignty and security.