In a bold statement that has sparked diplomatic friction, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that his intervention prevented a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump made these remarks while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, asserting that both countries were "on the brink" and that his strategy of leveraging trade negotiations played a decisive role in easing tensions.

"India, by the way—Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going," Trump said, referring to escalating tensions earlier this year. "We did that through trade. I said, we are not going to talk to you about trade unless you get this thing settled—and they did."

This is not the first time Trump has claimed credit for preventing escalation in South Asia. In June, he remarked aboard Air Force One, "I don’t talk about it much, but we solved a big problem—a nuclear problem potentially with India and Pakistan. I spoke to both sides. They have great leaders, but they could have gone nuclear."

India, however, has categorically dismissed Trump’s assertions. In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India reaffirmed its longstanding position that any matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir are strictly bilateral issues to be resolved between New Delhi and Islamabad—without third-party mediation.

"Our national policy remains unchanged: all matters pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are internal to India and, if necessary, are to be addressed bilaterally with Pakistan," said the MEA.

The MEA also denied Trump's claims that trade discussions were used as leverage during the conflict, stating, "From the time Operation Sindoor commenced on May 7 till the cessation of hostilities on May 10, there were conversations with U.S. leadership, but the topic of trade was never raised."

Operation Sindoor, a coordinated military response following the Pahalgam attack, was executed with precision by Indian forces, drawing both regional and global attention. While Washington acknowledged being in contact with both sides, officials in New Delhi made it clear that India managed the situation through its own strategic and military channels.