Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited former US President Donald Trump with playing a crucial role in averting a potential escalation during a military standoff between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sharif highlighted Trump’s “timely intervention” as pivotal when tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations threatened to spiral into a wider conflict.
The situation unfolded against the backdrop of a longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan, which have had several confrontations since gaining independence. However, India has contested Sharif’s attribution, maintaining that the ceasefire in 2025 was achieved through direct bilateral talks between the two countries without any third-party intervention.
Sharif also touched on the sensitive issue of water rights concerning the Indus River, warning that any attempt by India to alter the flow of Pakistan’s share of water would be regarded as an “act of war.” This statement comes after India placed the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move Sharif argues lacks legal foundation. The treaty, a cornerstone of water-sharing agreements between the two countries, dictates the allocation and utilization of the Indus river system.
In addition to these remarks, Sharif defended Pakistan’s military actions during the 2025 confrontation, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for the right to self-defense. He praised the Pakistani armed forces for their measured response during the crisis.
India, in its right of reply at the UN, accused Pakistan of perpetuating cross-border terrorism and warned of consequences for such actions. India also dismissed Pakistan’s allegations regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, reiterating its commitment to defending itself against terrorism while rejecting any international mediation in its disputes with Pakistan.