Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has expressed concern over President Donald Trump's recent claim of brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Rubin warns that Trump's public boasting, aimed at enhancing his peacemaking image, could result in long-term strategic repercussions and potentially cost the United States billions of dollars.
The assertion, viewed as diplomatically insensitive, may erode trust built over years with key partners in the region. Rubin emphasized that such premature or exaggerated claims can undermine U.S. foreign policy credibility and complicate diplomatic relations, particularly in volatile areas where delicate negotiations and mutual trust are critical .
Initially, Trump had asserted he played a major role in facilitating the peace agreement following a violent conflict triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, he now states, "I don't wanna say I did it, but I helped," indicating a more modest stance on his influence in the negotiations .
The ceasefire, announced on May 10, 2025, followed intense diplomatic efforts. While Trump claimed credit for the resolution, Indian government sources clarified that the ceasefire was negotiated bilaterally between India and Pakistan, without third-party mediation .
Rubin's critique highlights the potential risks of misrepresenting diplomatic achievements, especially in sensitive regions like South Asia. He cautions that such actions could have lasting implications for U.S. foreign relations and strategic interests.
Updated: May 16, 2025, By : Abhishek Rana