During a summit of global leaders in an Egyptian city, US President Donald Trump lauded India as a “great country” and complimented the nation’s leader, without directly naming him. Addressing the gathering following a ceasefire in Gaza that ended the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump expressed optimism that India and Pakistan would “live very nicely together.” The remarks were made while glancing at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chuckled at the mention.
Earlier in his speech, Trump praised Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, referring to him as his “favorite field marshal,” and extended an invitation for Sharif to address the summit. In his remarks, Sharif credited Trump with facilitating peace in the Middle East, acknowledging the US president’s “untiring and relentless efforts.” Sharif revealed that Pakistan had previously nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in halting the India-Pakistan conflict and achieving the Gaza ceasefire, adding that he would like to nominate him again for “saving millions of lives” across South Asia and the Middle East.
Trump, who previously claimed to have resolved seven international conflicts including the one between India and Pakistan, has now stated that he successfully mediated eight wars, with the Israel-Gaza conflict being the latest addition. Since May 10, he has frequently reiterated on social media that India and Pakistan agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire following extensive talks mediated by Washington.
India, however, maintains that the understanding to halt hostilities with Pakistan was reached directly through discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. The cross-border tension escalated after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. Following four days of intense missile and drone exchanges, India and Pakistan agreed on May 10 to end the conflict, culminating in the current ceasefire.
