Former US Adviser Criticizes Trump’s Claims on India-Pakistan Ceasefire
John Bolton, a former U.S. National Security Advisor, has expressed skepticism about President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that he played a pivotal role in averting conflict between India and Pakistan. Bolton, in a recent statement, described Trump’s actions as a reflection of his characteristic tendency to take credit for any achievement, regardless of the actual circumstances.
Bolton emphasized that India’s military response against Pakistan, known as ‘Operation Sindoor,’ was a justified measure in self-defense following the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people. He argued that India had the right to act against terrorist strongholds within Pakistan, stating that the inability of Pakistan to control such activities within its borders is a significant issue.
During an interview with the news agency ANI, Bolton warned that Pakistan’s failure to address terrorist activities within its borders could lead to severe consequences. He noted that while India’s actions were entirely justifiable, they also raised questions about Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate in addressing the issue, which could have broader repercussions for Pakistan itself.
Regarding Trump’s claim of being the architect of the ceasefire, Bolton said it was not a personal attack on India. ‘This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything,’ he said, adding that such behavior is typical of the former president, though it may be frustrating to many.
Bolton also mentioned that Trump might have had discussions with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President JD Vance, and State Secretary Marco Rubio, as other nations may have also sought to contribute to resolving the situation.
Additionally, Bolton expressed concern over the promotion of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir, to the rank of Field Marshal. He described this as a ‘disturbing sign,’ suggesting that internal dissent in Pakistan is being suppressed. Bolton stated that this development is not in Pakistan’s own interest and that the U.S. government should press the issue.
Bolton supported India’s decision to send an all-party delegation to key partner countries to highlight its continued efforts against terrorism. He stressed the importance of informing the global community about the nature of the terrorist attack, which he described as unacceptable due to the harm it caused to innocent civilians.
The former advisor’s comments come as tensions between India and Pakistan remain a critical issue in the region, with both countries continuing to grapple with the challenges of terrorism and regional stability.