Kathmandu: U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that he personally pressured India and Pakistan into agreeing to a ceasefire over the weekend by threatening to cut off trade with both nations. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said, “I said, come on, we’re going to do a lot of trade with you guys. Let’s stop it. Let’s stop it. If you stop it, we’ll do a trade. If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade.” He added, “And all of a sudden they said, ‘I think we’re going to stop.’”

According to Trump, the ceasefire agreement came after what he described as a “long night” of U.S.-mediated talks. On Saturday, he posted on Truth Social that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE,” praising both countries for using “Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”

While Trump hailed the ceasefire as a diplomatic success, the announcement has caused political turbulence in India, particularly among supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Many BJP supporters are discontented with the ceasefire, viewing it as a missed opportunity for a “conclusive” military resolution against Pakistan. The BJP, which came to power in 2014 riding a wave of anti-Pakistan sentiment, has long projected a tough stance on national security and cross-border terrorism.

Trump’s claim that he pressured India into the ceasefire has especially angered political circles close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics argue that the narrative of foreign influence undermines India’s sovereignty and portrays the Modi government as having capitulated under U.S. pressure. This perception is politically damaging, particularly among nationalist voter bases who expected a strong and independent military response from the Indian leadership.

Public sentiment in India has been further inflamed by scenes of celebration in Pakistan, where the ceasefire is being perceived as a diplomatic victory. Images and posts celebrating the ceasefire are circulating widely on social media, adding to the frustration among Indian citizens who feel the outcome is being exploited to portray Pakistan in a favorable light.

Meanwhile, Indian officials have maintained that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision, not influenced by external powers. “The DGMOs (Directors General of Military Operations) of both countries spoke at 3:35 PM and agreed that all firing and military action from land, air, and sea would cease from 5 PM onwards,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He added that further talks between the two sides are scheduled for May 12.

Despite Trump’s assertions, India has refrained from publicly acknowledging any U.S. role in the ceasefire, emphasizing instead that the agreement was worked out through direct military-to-military communication between the two nations.

As political analysts debate the implications of Trump’s remarks, the situation remains delicate. The Indian government now faces the challenge of managing domestic expectations while maintaining diplomatic balance in its external relations — particularly with Washington.