Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited former US President Donald Trump for his “timely intervention” during a tense military standoff between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Speaking at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sharif emphasized that Trump’s involvement was crucial at a moment when the two nuclear-armed nations were at risk of escalating conflict. He urged South Asia to avoid similar situations in the future.
Despite Sharif’s acknowledgment of Trump’s role, India has insisted that the ceasefire reached in May 2025 was a result of direct negotiations between India and Pakistan, denying the influence of any external party. Sharif, on the other hand, stood by Pakistan’s military actions during the confrontation, citing the nation’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The Prime Minister also addressed the contentious issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, which was signed in 1960 to manage the distribution of water from the Indus river system between the two countries. Sharif criticized India for placing the treaty in abeyance, arguing that the river system is critical not just to Pakistan but to the broader region. He asserted that any attempts by India to hinder or divert Pakistan’s share of the waters would be considered an “act of war,” pointing to international legal developments that he believes support Pakistan’s stance on the treaty’s continued validity.
In response to Sharif’s statements, India accused Pakistan of perpetuating cross-border terrorism, warning that such policies carry consequences. India reiterated its commitment to defending itself against terrorism and rejected Pakistan’s claims regarding the Indus Waters Treaty and other accusations.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with water rights and accusations of terrorism continuing to strain relations. The Indus Waters Treaty has long been a point of contention, and recent developments suggest that the dispute is far from resolved.