Former US NSA John Bolton challenges Donald Trump’s claim of brokering peace between India and Pakistan, calling it a typical attempt to steal credit. Here’s what happened after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor.

Trump Under Fire for India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has publicly criticized former US President Donald Trump for falsely taking credit for mediating peace between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan. Bolton described Trump’s claims as part of a broader pattern of “rushing to the spotlight, facts notwithstanding.”

“Trump Takes Credit for Everything” – Bolton

Speaking in an interview with news agency ANI, Bolton remarked, “This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything.” He noted that while Trump may have had a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the ceasefire claim has little merit.

Bolton clarified that multiple nations might have been in contact during escalating tensions, but Trump’s immediate rush to claim credit fits a known behavior pattern. “It’s just Trump being Trump,” he added.

The Pahalgam Attack and Operation Sindoor

Trump’s comments came after a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. In response, India launched a powerful military counteroffensive, **Operation Sindoor**, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Bolton dismissed the idea that the US played a central role in securing a ceasefire. “The notion that American mediation ended the conflict is unfounded,” he stated.

Trump’s Trade-Based Peace Theory

During a joint press briefing with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump claimed, “We settled that whole thing… I believe I used trade to resolve it.” He emphasized the importance of US-India and US-Pakistan trade relations in supposedly defusing the situation.

He further commented, “We had a conversation with them, and I believe we resolved the matter.”

Trump Declares His Own Ceasefire on Truth Social

Trump reiterated his claim on Truth Social, writing: “I am happy to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by the United States.”

He praised both countries for their “excellent intelligence and use of common sense,” crediting US diplomacy with preventing a potential nuclear escalation.

India Denies US Mediation Role

Despite Trump’s assertions, Indian officials have repeatedly denied that the US played any part in brokering peace. They also rejected the notion that trade deals were linked to any de-escalation efforts between India and Pakistan.

According to sources, India views Trump’s comments as misleading and diplomatically inappropriate, emphasizing that New Delhi’s military and diplomatic decisions are guided by internal strategy—not external pressure.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Credit or Credibility?

The recent remarks by John Bolton have reignited the debate around Donald Trump’s pattern of claiming credit in international affairs—this time, involving the sensitive dynamics between India and Pakistan. While Trump’s narrative of preventing a nuclear conflict may appeal to his base, official responses from India challenge the legitimacy of those claims.