Trump Hails Modi, Predicts Peace Between India and Pakistan
Cairo: US President Donald Trump on Monday showered praise on India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a high-profile world leaders’ summit in Egypt, held days after a ceasefire brought an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. While addressing the gathering, Trump called India “a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top,” referring to Prime Minister Modi without directly naming him.
In a moment that drew attention across global media, Trump turned toward Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was standing behind him, and said he believed “India and Pakistan will live very nicely together.” The comment, followed by a chuckle from Sharif, came amid renewed diplomatic efforts between the two nuclear-armed neighbors after years of strained relations and military tensions.
Trump Praises Modi, Calls Him a ‘Fantastic Leader’
The American president highlighted India’s role as a stabilizing power in South Asia and praised Modi’s leadership for strengthening the country’s position on the world stage. “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top, and he’s just done a fantastic job,” Trump said, drawing applause from several delegates.
This marks one of Trump’s most direct endorsements of Modi in recent months. Observers noted that his comments also appeared to hint at a broader U.S. strategy to encourage stability between India and Pakistan following the recent regional conflict that erupted in May.
Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan Follows Operation Sindoor
The conflict between the two nations began on May 7, when India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The operation resulted in a four-day period of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
A breakthrough came on May 10, when India and Pakistan agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after overnight negotiations reportedly mediated by Washington. Trump has since taken credit for facilitating the truce, saying he “helped settle” the conflict. However, New Delhi maintains that the understanding was reached through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both militaries, independent of foreign mediation.
Sharif Lauds Trump, Mentions Nobel Peace Nomination
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered rare public praise for the U.S. leader, acknowledging his “untiring and relentless efforts” in achieving peace in both South Asia and the Middle East. “Pakistan had nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary contributions to first stop the war between India and Pakistan and then achieve a ceasefire,” Sharif said in his speech.
He added that Pakistan would once again nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for “saving millions of lives not only in South Asia but also in the Middle East.” Sharif also praised Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, calling him his “favourite field marshal,” a statement that drew laughter from the audience.
Trump Expands His List of ‘Resolved Conflicts’
Trump, who has long sought recognition for his global peace initiatives, claimed that he has now “resolved eight wars,” increasing the count from seven after including the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. “I don’t do this for the Nobel,” Trump said, asserting that his focus was on “saving lives and achieving peace through strength.”
The former U.S. president’s renewed focus on peace diplomacy has reignited discussions about his foreign policy ambitions and his influence on global negotiations. While his claim of mediating the India-Pakistan truce remains contested, his remarks in Egypt have underscored Washington’s continued interest in South Asian stability.
India Maintains Independent Peace Stance
India, meanwhile, has refrained from officially commenting on Trump’s claims but reiterated that all discussions with Pakistan were conducted through established military and diplomatic channels. Officials in New Delhi emphasized that India’s actions in Operation Sindoor were a “measured response” to cross-border terrorism and that peace was achieved through “direct, result-oriented talks.”
Despite differences in narratives, the summit in Egypt projected a rare moment of optimism. With both leaders present and the U.S. promising continued engagement, diplomatic observers believe the event could mark a new chapter in India-Pakistan relations—albeit one built on cautious optimism and strong leadership in both capitals.
