Washington DC, February 25, 2026: US President Donald Trump claimed during his State of the Union Address that his administration prevented a major conflict between India and Pakistan following tensions triggered by last year’s Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking before lawmakers, Trump stated that his diplomatic intervention helped avoid a potential nuclear confrontation between the two neighbouring nations. According to him, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had warned that nearly 35 million people could have died if the conflict had escalated further.
Trump’s Statement on India-Pakistan Tensions
During the address, Trump said his administration had ended multiple global conflicts within months. He included India-Pakistan tensions among those situations.
“In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars… Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war,” Trump claimed, adding that Pakistani leadership acknowledged US involvement in preventing large-scale casualties.
However, India has consistently rejected claims of third-party mediation. Indian officials maintained that the decision to cease hostilities followed direct military communication between the two countries’ Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO).
Background: Operation Sindoor
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, which killed 26 civilians. In response, India launched the Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.
The operation targeted terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and areas deeper inside Pakistan. Indian forces carried out coordinated actions across land, air, and sea.
Pakistan later attempted retaliatory drone and UCAV strikes on Indian military installations. India’s multi-layered air defence systems successfully intercepted these attacks, preventing major damage.
The Indian Air Force conducted precision air strikes during the operation, reportedly targeting strategic locations including Nur Khan Air Base and Rahimyar Khan Air Base.
Trump on Global Conflicts
Apart from South Asia, Trump also addressed ongoing international crises. He stated that his administration continues efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, calling it a war that could have been avoided under his leadership.
On Iran, Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy but warned that the United States would not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons.
India Maintains Independent Position
Despite Trump’s remarks, India continues to assert that no external mediation played a role in de-escalating tensions with Pakistan. Officials reiterated that military-level communication ensured stability following heightened hostilities.
The issue remains diplomatically sensitive, as both India and Pakistan traditionally oppose third-party involvement in bilateral matters.
