Trump Acknowledges Pakistan's 'Very Strong Leadership' After Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire

US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Pakistan's leadership during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, marking a significant diplomatic acknowledgment following his role in mediating a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan in May 2025.

Speaking candidly about the recent crisis that brought South Asia to the brink of conflict, Trump stated, "Pakistan has very strong leadership. Some people won't like when I say that, but it is what it is." The comments came during the first bilateral discussion between Trump and Chancellor Merz since the German leader's election victory on May 6, 2025.

The praise follows Trump's successful intervention in defusing what became the most serious military confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades. The crisis began after a deadly attack in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the attack without providing evidence, while Islamabad denied the allegations and called for an independent investigation.

The situation rapidly escalated when India took retaliatory measures, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, halting bilateral trade, and closing border crossings. Pakistan responded with reciprocal actions, including closing its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspending trade relations. What followed was four days of intense military exchanges that included missile strikes and air raids, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides.

According to multiple reports from Bloomberg, Reuters, and other international news sources, the conflict reached its most dangerous point on May 7, when India launched attacks on several Pakistani cities and areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure. Pakistan's military responded by shooting down Indian warplanes, including advanced Rafale jets, and neutralizing waves of Israeli-made drones deployed by India.

The escalation continued on May 10, when India targeted Pakistani airbases, prompting Pakistan to launch Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking Indian military installations. The nuclear-armed neighbors appeared to be heading toward full-scale war before Trump's diplomatic intervention proved successful.

Trump took personal credit for preventing the crisis from spiraling further, stating, "I spoke to very talented people on both sides. I said, 'We're not going to deal with you on trade if you're going to go shooting each other and whipping out nuclear weapons.'" His reference to the nuclear dimension underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential catastrophic consequences that were averted.

The US President announced the ceasefire on May 10, 2025, through his Truth Social platform, declaring that "India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate cease-fire" following "a long night of talks mediated by the United States." Both countries' foreign ministers subsequently confirmed the agreement, though the aftermath revealed differing narratives about the role of international mediation.

While Pakistan credited Trump, along with China and Gulf states, for their vital role in defusing the crisis, Indian officials downplayed foreign involvement, asserting that the ceasefire resulted from direct bilateral negotiations. However, Trump has consistently maintained his position, taking pride in his diplomatic achievement. "I got that war stopped. Now I hope we don't go back and find out that they started it, but I don't think they will," he stated confidently.

The President's praise for Pakistan's leadership represents a notable shift in US-Pakistan relations, particularly given the complex history between the two nations. Trump also extended his commendations to Indian leadership, noting that "The leader of India, who's a great guy, was here a few weeks ago. We had some great talks. We're doing a trade deal."

Despite the ceasefire agreement, tensions remain high in the region. According to NPR reports, there have been allegations of ceasefire violations, with India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri citing "repeated violations" by Pakistan. However, the immediate crisis appears to have been contained through Trump's intervention.

The successful mediation has been viewed differently by various stakeholders. While Pakistan and some international observers have praised Trump's decisive action, analysts suggest that the underlying issues that fuel the Kashmir conflict remain unresolved. CNN's analysis indicates that the US-brokered ceasefire agreement does not address the fundamental grievances that have driven the decades-long dispute over Muslim-majority Kashmir.

The crisis and its resolution have also highlighted the evolving dynamics of South Asian geopolitics and America's role in the region. According to The Washington Post, India has launched a global diplomatic offensive following the conflict, while Pakistan's strategic partnerships remain limited compared to India's expanding international relationships.

Trump's public acknowledgment of Pakistan's leadership during this critical period signals a pragmatic approach to regional diplomacy, where the US President has positioned himself as a mediator willing to work with all parties regardless of traditional alliance structures. His comments reflect a recognition of Pakistan's role in helping to de-escalate a potentially catastrophic situation.

The conflict and its aftermath have demonstrated the fragility of peace in South Asia and the continued relevance of Kashmir as a flashpoint for regional stability. While the immediate crisis has been contained, the long-term implications of Trump's mediation and his public praise for Pakistan's leadership may reshape diplomatic relationships in the region for years to come.