Trump Calls India-Pakistan Ceasefire a Major Win Amid Ongoing Tensions

Trump Calls India-Pakistan Ceasefire a Major Win Amid Ongoing Tensions

Pakistan PM Shehbaz says both countries should sit down like peaceful neighbours, settle outstanding issues.

In a surprising statement that has stirred diplomatic circles, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the India-Pakistan ceasefire “a bigger success than I’ll ever be given credit for.” His comments have reignited global attention toward the 2021 ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, which has held firm in recent years despite sporadic political challenges.

Trump’s claim appears to reference the backchannel diplomacy reportedly facilitated during his presidency, which helped de-escalate cross-border hostilities in the disputed Kashmir region. Though neither India nor Pakistan officially acknowledged direct U.S. involvement, Trump has repeatedly hinted at playing a behind-the-scenes role.

A Truce Holding Strong Despite Political Changes

The India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, reinstated in February 2021, marked a significant reduction in violence across the Line of Control (LoC). The pact reaffirmed previous agreements from 2003, aiming to stop gunfire and mortar exchanges that had become increasingly frequent in the years leading up to 2021.

Since the ceasefire, both countries have reported a sharp decline in cross-border skirmishes. Indian military officials have acknowledged the agreement’s role in improving the situation in Kashmir, even though trust between the two sides remains fragile. Pakistan’s leadership has also welcomed the calm, calling it a step toward regional peace.

However, political experts caution that this peace is tenuous, hinging on consistent diplomatic engagement and mutual restraint. With both nations focusing on internal development, the current atmosphere provides an opportunity for deeper cooperation, though underlying tensions over Kashmir persist.

Trump’s Role in the Diplomatic Backchannel

During his term, Trump made several public offers to mediate between India and Pakistan. While India consistently rejected third-party intervention, reports have suggested that unofficial diplomatic communication occurred, possibly encouraged by the Trump administration.

Trump’s recent remarks suggest he views the India-Pakistan ceasefire as a personal diplomatic victory—an assertion some analysts find exaggerated. Yet, others believe that external pressure during his tenure may have influenced both governments to pursue de-escalation.

Trump stated, “The ceasefire is a bigger success than I’ll ever be given credit for. People don’t understand what we did behind closed doors.” This statement, while vague, has led to renewed discussions about the extent of American involvement in South Asian diplomacy.

A Moment of Calm in a Region Fraught with Tension

The India-Pakistan ceasefire continues to be one of the few positive developments in the otherwise strained relationship between the two countries. It has brought much-needed relief to border communities and reduced casualties on both sides.

While Trump’s comments may be seen as self-congratulatory, they do spotlight a rare instance of calm in South Asia. Whether this ceasefire will lead to long-term peace remains uncertain, but for now, it is a testament to what quiet diplomacy—however it was achieved—can accomplish.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/