U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy during his State of the Union address on February 24, 2026. Trump said that without his involvement, a conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours could have turned into a nuclear war and caused massive casualties.
Also Read: From Kerala to Keralam: Union Cabinet Gives Green Signal to Historic Name Change
Speaking before Congress, Trump said, “In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars… Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. Thirty-five million people, said the Prime Minister of Pakistan, would have died if it were not for my involvement.”
This was the first time Trump claimed that Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, told him that around 35 million lives might have been lost if the United States had not entered during the conflict triggered by Operation Sindoor in May 2025, following a deadly terror attack in Indian administered Kashmir.
In addition, Trump also suggested that his efforts helped avert potential large-scale casualties and may even save Shehbaz Sharif’s life. Moreover, he showed that his actions were pivotal in achieving a ceasefire that saved broader escalation. Neither India nor Pakistan has publicly confirmed the specific figures or the sentiment Trump attributed to them. However, India has officially consistently rejected any suggestions that a third-party country was key to resolving the tension, stating that the cessation of hostilities marked the end of direct military and diplomatic communication between the two countries.
Also Read: iQOO 15R Debuts in India: Price, Key Specs, Camera & Battery
Critics and analysts have noted that Trump’s choice of words appeared exaggerated and raised several questions about accuracy, as there is no independent verification that 35 million lives were at stake. His remarks mark how leaders may use dramatic language to underscore their own roles in international diplomacy.