US President Donald Trump has again taken credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan, this time emphasizing a dramatic claim that “five jets” were shot down during the skirmishes. At a White House event, Trump reiterated his statement, saying he called both nations and warned them of halting trade deals if hostilities continued. According to him, this threat defused the situation and prevented what could have escalated into a nuclear conflict. Since May 10, when he first declared a ceasefire via social media, Trump has mentioned this diplomatic intervention at least 25 times over the past 73 days, drawing attention and criticism alike

Meanwhile, the Indian government has maintained that the ceasefire with Pakistan was achieved solely through direct military-level talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGsMO) of both countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly conveyed to Trump in a phone call that India does not accept foreign mediation on its issues with Pakistan. The military operations, dubbed Operation Sindoor, were launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to four days of intense cross-border engagements before an understanding was reached.

Back home, the Congress has strongly criticized Modi for remaining silent on key national issues. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned the Centre’s refusal to schedule a parliamentary debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh said while Trump continues to boast about his role in the ceasefire, Modi has been “totally quiet,” more interested in foreign tours and undermining democratic institutions. The opposition has also raised concerns about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by the Election Commission in Bihar ahead of assembly elections, demanding transparency and accountability from the Prime Minister.