During a recent address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited former US President Donald Trump with a crucial intervention during a military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Sharif highlighted that Trump’s involvement prevented a potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Sharif asserted that the intervention came at a critical juncture, urging that South Asia must avoid similar tensions in the future. However, India has contested this claim, maintaining that the ceasefire in May 2025 was the result of direct bilateral communication between India and Pakistan, with no third-party involvement.
In his speech, Sharif defended Pakistan’s military actions during the conflict, stating that the country was exercising its right to self-defense as per Article 51 of the UN Charter. He commended Pakistan’s armed forces for their role during the confrontation.
Additionally, Sharif addressed the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, criticizing India for placing the 1960 agreement in abeyance. He stressed the importance of the Indus river system for Pakistan and the region, arguing that India’s decision lacked legal grounds. Sharif warned that any attempts to obstruct or divert Pakistan’s share of the river waters would be perceived as an “act of war.”
The Indus Waters Treaty, established in 1960, is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. In response to Sharif’s comments, India accused Pakistan of perpetuating cross-border terrorism and reiterated its stance on self-defense against such threats. India rejected Pakistan’s allegations, asserting that repeated accusations do not alter its position on the issue of terrorism.
