Washington DC [US], May 15 (ANI): Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, criticized US President Donald Trump’s assertions regarding his role in brokering peace between India and Pakistan, advising Indians not to take Trump’s claims too literally.
In an interview with ANI, Michael Rubin remarked, “Donald Trump likes to claim credit for everything. If you ask Donald Trump, he single-handedly won the World Cup. He invented the Internet. He cured cancer. Indians should be more like Americans in this regard and not take Donald Trump literally.”
Rubin’s remarks came after Trump claimed his administration played a crucial role in halting hostilities between India and Pakistan following escalating tensions. Trump stated that the US helped stop a potential nuclear conflict, crediting his team for brokering an “immediate cessation of hostilities” between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
According to Rubin, while the US often mediates between India and Pakistan during conflicts to prevent escalation, it is essential to recognize that this is standard diplomatic practice rather than a unique achievement. He noted that Washington typically tries to offer a diplomatic “off-ramp” to avoid unrestricted warfare, particularly given the risk of nuclear escalation.
“Whenever Pakistan and India come into conflict, the United States tries to mediate behind the scenes. This is reasonable because the US aims to diplomatically provide an off-ramp and prevent any potential nuclear exchange,” Rubin said. He added that both New Delhi and Islamabad commonly use Washington as a channel to pass messages, and such diplomatic engagement is routine.
Trump had earlier claimed that his administration’s efforts averted a potential nuclear war, adding that millions could have been killed if tensions had continued to escalate. He also praised the leadership of both India and Pakistan, stating that the US had helped with trade talks as part of the peace process.
India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The operation led to precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. India also responded effectively to Pakistan’s subsequent military aggression, striking multiple airbases.
Rubin’s comments highlight skepticism within US policy circles about Trump’s tendency to exaggerate his role in diplomatic achievements, calling for a more grounded understanding of the situation. (ANI)
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