Trump commends ‘very strong’ Pakistan leadership

US President Donald Trump has once again projected his role in de-escalating the recent Pakistan-India conflict while commending the “very strong” leadership in Islamabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Speaking at a White House event alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump recounted how Pakistan-India tensions were "getting close to being out of hand," and said he intervened by speaking directly to leaders on both sides.

Noting that both sides were "well represented" in talks, Trump said: "The leader of India, a big guy, was here a few weeks ago and we had great talks — and Pakistan, likewise. They have very strong leadership. Some people may not like me saying that, but it is what it is."

Recalling his mediation and interaction with Pakistani and Indian leadership during the skirmishes, President Trump said: "I spoke to talented people on both sides. Very good people on both sides. I told them we're not going to deal with you if you go shooting each other and whipping out nuclear weapons."

"And they stopped the war. Now will they give me credit? They won't give me credit for anything. But nobody else could have stopped it. I was proud of that," he remarked.

Trump also claimed that he used the leverage of trade negotiations to pressure both countries into stepping back from the brink. "If you’re not going to do that, we’re not doing trade deals," he said, adding, "I got that war stopped."

His remarks come a day after the Kremlin confirmed that the Pakistan-India conflict also came under discussion during the telephonic conversation between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The Middle East was discussed, as well as the armed conflict between India and Pakistan, which has been halted with the personal involvement of President Trump," Russian president's aide Yuri Ushakov said on Thursday.