Trump’s new India-Pak truce claim, says Sharif told him 35 million would’ve died

US President Donald Trump has turned his second-term State of the Union address into a victory lap for global stability, making the bombshell claim that his personal intervention prevented a catastrophic nuclear exchange in South Asia. In a vivid addition to his previous rhetoric, Trump told lawmakers on Wednesday that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that 35 million lives were at stake during India’s “Operation Sindoor” last year.

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source

While Trump framed himself as the “ultimate peacemaker,” the revelation has reignited a diplomatic firestorm between Washington, New Delhi, and Islamabad, with India once again flatly denying any American role in the ceasefire.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

The 35 Million Figure: Trump’s New Narrative

For the first time, Trump put a specific number on the potential casualties of a 2025 conflict. “Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war,” Trump declared. “35 million people, said the Prime Minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my involvement.” This narrative bolsters Pakistan’s earlier decision to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move that India viewed as a face-saving tactic by Islamabad.

Operation Sindoor: What Actually Happened?

The conflict, dubbed Operation Sindoor, was triggered on May 7, 2025, after a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists. India responded with massive strikes against terror infrastructure in PoK and Pakistan.

• India’s Version: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri maintains that the ceasefire was reached via a direct hotline call from Pakistan’s DGMO to his Indian counterpart.

• The “Jaishankar Quip”: When previously asked about Trump’s mediation, EAM S. Jaishankar famously replied that during the war, the US “was in the United States,” implying they were mere spectators.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

The “Eight Wars” List: Trump’s SOTU Highlights

Trump listed the India-Pakistan standoff as one of eight global conflicts he has “extinguished” since returning to the Oval Office. His list includes:

1. Israel-Hamas & Israel-Iran

2. Egypt-Ethiopia (Grand Renaissance Dam dispute)

3. Serbia-Kosovo

4. Armenia-Azerbaijan

5. Rwanda-DRC

6. Cambodia-Thailand

Reality Check

Trump’s claim of saving 35 million lives is classic hyperbole. Still, it is true that the May 2025 standoff was the closest the two nations have come to full-scale war in decades. Therefore, while Trump’s direct mediation is denied by India, the “threat” of US diplomatic pressure often plays a background role in South Asian brinkmanship. In fact, the 35 million figure is likely an internal Pakistani “worst-case scenario” estimate that Trump has used to maximize his political credit.

The Loopholes

Pakistan nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. In fact, this was a “diplomatic loophole” to force the US into a more pro-Pakistan stance by stroking the President’s ego. Therefore, Trump’s “admission” of Sharif’s private comments actually leaves Islamabad “red-faced,” as it suggests they were in a state of total panic. Still, the “Hotline Loophole” remains India’s strongest argument—if the DGMOs settled it, the White House “intervention” was redundant.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

What This Means for You

If you are following India-Pakistan relations, realize that Trump’s rhetoric will likely embolden Pakistan to seek more US mediation in the Kashmir issue. First, expect the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a stern “reiteration” of its bilateral-only stance today. Then, realize that for the Indian public, this serves as a reminder of the Operation Sindoor success, even if the “peace” is now being claimed by Washington.

Finally, understand that Trump’s State of the Union sets the tone for US-India trade talks. You should watch if Trump uses this “favor” of “saving lives” as leverage to demand lower tariffs on US goods. Before forming an opinion, check the official transcript of the SOTU, as Trump’s off-the-cuff remarks often differ from the written policy goals of the State Department.

What’s Next

The MEA is expected to respond to the SOTU claims within the next 24 hours. Then, look for a potential “clarification” from Islamabad, which is caught between validating Trump (to maintain US ties) and denying “panic” (to appease its domestic audience). Finally, the Nobel Peace Prize shortlists will be discussed in Oslo later this spring, where Trump’s “Eight Wars” claim will face international scrutiny.

Also Read |Tamil Nadu Voter List Purge: 97 Lakh Names Deleted in SIR Phase 1

End…

Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source