US President Donald Trump lauded Pakistan’s leadership during his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House. The praise came in the context of the recent India-Pakistan conflict that had brought the two nuclear-armed nations dangerously close to war.
Trump highlighted the deadly April 22 attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir that left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan without evidence, prompting Islamabad to demand an independent investigation. Tensions escalated quickly, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, halting trade, and launching cross-border attacks.
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In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian aircraft and responded militarily after Indian airstrikes targeted multiple cities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan’s air force shot down several Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, in what was seen as a clear signal of deterrence.
President Trump said his intervention helped prevent a larger catastrophe. “We’re not going to deal with you on trade if you’re going to go shooting each other and whipping out nuclear weapons,” he told both sides. He also credited Pakistan’s “strong leadership” in preventing further escalation.
