In a swift reversal, former US President Donald Trump shifted his stance on having “stopped” a war between India and Pakistan, instead crediting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for defusing tensions that he had earlier claimed to resolve himself.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening, following a lunch with Munir, Trump said, “Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war that could have been nuclear.” He acknowledged their efforts without asserting a mediatory role, saying he simply wanted to thank both leaders for ending the recent conflict.

Only hours earlier, Trump had repeatedly stated, “I stopped the war between Pakistan and India,” while watching the installation of a flagpole at the White House. He lamented that his role had not been sufficiently recognized.

India, however, has firmly denied any third-party involvement in talks with Pakistan. According to a Ministry of External Affairs readout, Prime Minister Modi told Trump during a phone conversation that Pakistan had requested a cessation of hostilities, and India would never agree to foreign mediation.

Trump’s remarks also highlighted Pakistan’s military dominance in foreign affairs. His meeting with Munir, rather than Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underlines Washington’s recognition of the real power structure in Pakistan. Trump openly praised Munir for his role in preventing escalation.

He also said discussions touched on Iran, claiming Pakistan “knows Iran better” and playing down tensions between Israel and Pakistan despite their differing alignments.

Trump added that the US is working on a trade deal with India and reiterated his positive relations with Modi.

The former President’s fluctuating narrative reflects both his diplomatic approach and awareness of the region’s complex dynamics.