US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday, marking their first bilateral discussion since Merz’s election on May 6.
The meeting covered a range of topics, among which was Trump’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s leadership during the recent spike in tensions between India and Pakistan.
These tensions reached a boiling point after a deadly attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, but without presenting evidence. Islamabad denied the Indian claims and called for an independent probe.
India the took hostile actions including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), halting trade, and closing border crossings, as it retaliated against the alleged attack.
In response, Pakistan undertook reciprocal measures, including halting trade and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft.
The situation quickly escalated as missile strikes and air raids rocked both nations, resulting in dozens of casualties.
Trump took credit for preventing the situation from spiraling further, stating, “Pakistan has very strong leadership. Some people won’t like when I say that, but it is what it is.”
His diplomatic efforts, which involved intense talks with both sides, were credited with diffusing the immediate crisis.
“I spoke to very talented people on both sides. I said, ‘We’re not going to deal with you on trade if you’re going to go shooting each other and whipping out nuclear weapons,’” Trump recalled, referencing the dangerous escalation that had brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of a full-scale conflict.
The situation worsened on May 7, India attacked several Pakistani cities and targeted areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), killing civilians and destroying infrastructure.
In retaliation, Pakistan’s military shot down Indian warplanes, including Rafale jets, which are considered key assets of the Indian Air Force.
Pakistan also neutralised waves of Israeli-made drones launched by India.
On May 10, India escalated further by targeting Pakistani airbases, prompting Pakistan to launch Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking Indian military installations. This continued escalation brought the region to a perilous juncture before Trump intervened.
Following intense diplomatic efforts, Trump announced a ceasefire on May 10, which was later confirmed by both countries’ foreign ministers. Despite the ceasefire, however, a war of narratives continued to unfold.
Pakistan credited Trump, along with China and Gulf states, for playing a vital role in diffusing the situation, while Indian officials downplayed foreign involvement, asserting that the truce was the result of direct bilateral talks.
Trump, however, has repeatedly reiterated his stance, taking pride in his role. “I got that war stopped. Now I hope we don’t go back and find out that they started it, but I don’t think they will,” he said.
He also praised the leadership on both sides, specifically highlighting the strength of Pakistan’s leadership, despite some resistance to his comments. “They stopped that war. I was very proud of that,” he added.
The president also extended his praise to Indian leadership, noting, “The leader of India, who’s a great guy, was here a few weeks ago. We had some great talks. We’re doing a trade deal.”
