Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has dismissed President Donald Trump’s assertion that he played a pivotal role in brokering the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Bolton characterized Trump’s claim as typical behavior, stating, “This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything.
Trump had previously stated that he facilitated the ceasefire through trade negotiations, suggesting that economic discussions with both nations helped de-escalate tensions. However, Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, have refuted these claims, emphasizing that the ceasefire resulted from direct communication between India and Pakistan without external mediation.
Bolton further noted that while Trump’s approach might be irritating to some, it wasn’t directed against India specifically. He remarked, “It’s just Trump being Trump.
The ceasefire followed heightened tensions after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. India responded with military operations targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. While Trump claims to have influenced the subsequent de-escalation, Indian authorities maintain that the resolution was achieved through bilateral efforts.
This incident underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the sensitivities surrounding third-party involvement in regional conflicts.