Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has credited former U.S. President Donald Trump with a crucial intervention during the 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 actions helped prevent the escalation of a potentially wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. However, India has countered this claim, asserting that the ceasefire was achieved through direct bilateral communication without any third-party involvement.
During his address, Sharif also addressed Pakistan’s military actions during the confrontation, which he justified as self-defense in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. He commended the Pakistani armed forces for their conduct during the crisis.
On the issue of water resources, Sharif issued a strong warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan. He criticized India’s decision to suspend the treaty, labeling the Indus river system as crucial for Pakistan and the region. He contended that India’s actions lack legal justification and warned that any attempts to disrupt Pakistan’s share of the river waters would be deemed an “act of war.”
India, in response, accused Pakistan of perpetuating cross-border terrorism, asserting that such actions have consequences. India reiterated its right to self-defense against terrorism and dismissed Pakistan’s allegations as unfounded.
The ongoing tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty highlight the fragile relations between the two South Asian neighbors. The treaty, which governs the sharing and utilization of the Indus river system, remains a critical element in the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. Both nations continue to navigate these challenges, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement to prevent further conflicts.