Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has sharply rebuked Donald Trump for taking undue credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling the former President’s claims typical of his self-promotional style.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Bolton said:
“It’s typical of Trump because he would jump in before everyone else could take credit… It may be irritating, probably is irritating to many people, but it’s nothing against India — it’s just Trump being Trump.”
The Context
Trump recently claimed that American mediation, under his leadership, helped avert a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. He specifically referenced a ceasefire following India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam.
At a press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump said:
“We settled that whole thing. I think I settled it through trade. We’re doing a big deal with India. We’re doing a big deal with Pakistan.”
He doubled down on Truth Social, posting:
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire… Congratulations to both countries…”
Bolton’s Response
Bolton, who served as Trump’s NSA until 2019 and has since been a vocal critic, dismissed the notion that Trump played any meaningful role in defusing tensions. He clarified that while there may have been calls involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's claim to have “settled” the crisis is misleading:
“Trump has a habit of grabbing credit whether it’s due or not.”
India’s Position
Indian government officials have categorically denied any U.S. involvement in brokering the ceasefire. They maintain that:
-
The de-escalation was entirely India-led,
-
No U.S.-India or U.S.-Pakistan trade negotiations were connected to the military or diplomatic outcomes,
-
There was no foreign mediation, either public or behind the scenes, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
Why This Matters
-
Trump's assertion of preventing a "nuclear war" between India and Pakistan without any evidence risks diplomatic tensions and misrepresents India’s autonomous decision-making in national security.
-
Bolton’s pushback signals growing unease among former U.S. officials about Trump’s approach to foreign policy narratives, especially when they involve sensitive geopolitical flashpoints like South Asia.
In essence, while Trump may be attempting to shape a heroic image of his diplomatic legacy as he campaigns again for the presidency, Bolton’s blunt remarks — along with India’s firm denials — suggest his version of events is largely exaggerated, if not entirely fabricated.
