Trump backs Modi’s tough stance on terrorism: India-Pak ceasefire’s hidden battle

This report unpacks the nuanced diplomatic shifts following the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire, highlighting Trump’s retreat from personal credit and his endorsement of Modi’s redefined terrorism policy. It reveals how direct bilateral talks, without third-party mediation, shaped a fragile peace between two nuclear powers.

Sources:
Times of IndiaFirstpostThehindu+2
Updated 41m ago
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Sources: Times of IndiaFirstpostIndiatoday+1
US President Donald Trump publicly credited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani General Asim Munir for their "very smart" decision to end the May conflict between India and Pakistan, avoiding what he described as a potential nuclear war.

This marked a notable shift from Trump's earlier claims that he personally brokered peace between the nuclear-armed neighbors. On June 18, Trump acknowledged that the ceasefire was a direct decision by the two countries' leaders.

"The two very smart leaders of India and Pakistan decided not to continue a war that could have turned nuclear," Trump said, praising their restraint.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the ceasefire was initiated by Pakistan after suffering damage to nine key air bases, and that the military action ended through existing communication channels between the armed forces. Modi also clarified to Trump that no discussions on India-US trade deals or US mediation in the conflict took place during the incident.

"The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication... initiated at Islamabad's request," a government official stated.

However, the US president's lunch with General Munir and his praise of the Pakistani army chief drew criticism from India's opposition Congress party. Congress leaders called it a "huge blow" to Indian diplomacy, questioning the government's handling of the situation and the messaging around the ceasefire.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Field Marshal Asim Munir is not the Head of State or Head of government of Pakistan and is the Chief of Army Staff, yet he gets invited by Mr. Trump for lunch and receives much praise."

The episode highlights the complex diplomatic balancing act amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with Modi's government pushing back against narratives that downplay India's role in ending hostilities.

Trump's acknowledgment and Modi's firm stance underscore the importance of direct bilateral communication in defusing one of the region's most dangerous conflicts.
Sources: Times of IndiaFirstpostIndiatoday+1
US President Donald Trump credited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani General Asim Munir for ending May's India-Pakistan hostilities, praising their restraint in avoiding nuclear war. Modi emphasized the ceasefire was Pakistan-initiated via military channels, rejecting US mediation claims amid political backlash in India.
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The Headline

Trump credits India-Pak leaders for ceasefire, backs Modi

Key Facts
  • After weeks of loudly claiming he brokered peace between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump shifted his tone, crediting the two countries' leaders directly for ending the hostilities in May.Times of IndiaFirstpost4+1
  • India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.Indiatoday
  • The decision to cease military action was initiated at Islamabad's request and took place directly through existing military communication channels.IndiatodayTimes of India3
  • PM Modi clearly told President Trump that no talks on India-US trade deal or mediation between India and Pakistan through America took place during the incident.Firstpost
  • Initially, Trump claimed personal involvement in preventing nuclear war but later praised PM Modi and General Munir as 'very smart people' for their restraint in avoiding escalation.Times of India3Thehindu
  • Trump acknowledged the critical nature of the decision given both nations are nuclear powers and credited the leaders for showing restraint.Times of IndiaFirstpost
  • Trump expressed support for Indias fight against terrorism, noting Modis stance on terrorism as a war itself.Indiatoday
  • Trumps remarks contradicted Modis statements on third-party mediation, but Modi emphasized direct communication between India and Pakistan.FirstpostIndiatoday
After weeks of loudly claiming he brokered peace between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump has shifted his tone, crediting the two countries' leaders directly for ending the hostilities.
Times of India
Times of India
On Wednesday (June 18), the US president shifted his tone and admitted that it was India and Pakistan that decided to end hostilities in May.
Firstpost
Firstpost
Mr. Trump has said the two very smart leaders of India and Pakistan decided not to continue a war that could have turned nuclear, a first in weeks, he did not claim credit for stopping hostilities between the two neighbouring nations.
Thehindu
Thehindu
US President Donald Trump said the two “very smart” leaders of India and Pakistan “decided” not to continue a war that could have turned nuclear, the first time in weeks he did not credit himself for stopping the military conflict between the two neighbouring nations.
Indiatoday
Indiatoday
For the first time in weeks, US President Donald Trump refrained from taking credit for preventing a potential war between India and Pakistan, instead saying the two “very smart” leaders had themselves decided to avoid escalation.
Hindustantimes
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Background Context

Congress criticizes Trump-Munir lunch, questions diplomacy

Key Facts
  • The Congress party criticized the Indian government after Trumps lunch with Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling it a huge blow to Indian diplomacy.Thehindu
  • Congress leaders questioned whether the Prime Minister and Ministry of External Affairs can clearly present India's position in talks with the US President after Trump's claims.Thehindu
  • Observers noted that Trumps change in stance coincided with his lunch with Munir, suggesting the meeting may have influenced his revised position.Firstpost
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