WASHINGTON D.C. (Feb 25, 2026) — During his 2026 State of the Union (SOTU) address, President Donald Trump asserted that his personal intervention prevented a nuclear catastrophe between India and Pakistan last year, claiming he saved “35 million lives.”
The SOTU Statement
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The “Nuclear” Warning: Trump told a joint session of Congress that his administration’s pressure, primarily through “obnoxious” tariffs, forced a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
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The 35 Million Figure: Trump claimed Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told him that without U.S. involvement, “35 million people would have died.”
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The “Misstep”: In a notable verbal slip during the speech, Trump initially stated that the “Pakistan Prime Minister would have died,” before clarifying he meant the PM credited him with saving millions of Pakistani citizens.
India’s Rebuttal
New Delhi has consistently and firmly rejected any claims of third-party mediation.
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Bilateral Stand: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) maintains that the May 2025 cessation of hostilities was reached through direct DGMO-level talks (Director General of Military Operations) after Pakistan requested a truce.
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Operation Sindoor: India launched the targeted operation on May 7, 2025, to dismantle terror launchpads following a deadly attack in Pahalgam. Officials emphasize that the de-escalation was a strategic decision by the two neighbors, not a result of Washington’s “Board of Peace” diplomacy.
Global Market Impact
The President’s focus on using trade tariffs as a tool for “National Security” and conflict resolution has added to global economic jitters. While Trump touts having “ended eight wars” in his first 10 months, market analysts remain cautious about the long-term impact of this “transactional diplomacy” on international trade stability.
