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During a diplomatic event in Egypt, Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend,” while offering only a passing glance at Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif—highlighting shifting dynamics in regional and global alliances
carefully worded compliment and a pointed gesture—praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend,” and then looking toward Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as he spoke of India and Pakistan living “very nicely together.” The moment has become emblematic of the delicate balancing act in South Asian diplomacy, where India, Pakistan, and global powers like the United States try to manage historical tensions, diplomatic optics, and ongoing conflict.
The episode comes against a backdrop of recent turmoil: the Israel‑Hamas war, global calls for peace, claims of mediation successes, and renewed hopes (or tensions) in South Asia over ceasefire efforts and diplomatic interventions. In this article, we examine what Trump said, the context, the reactions — both immediate and potential — and what this might mean for India‑Pakistan relations, US foreign policy, and regional dynamics.
What Trump Said — And the Moment
During his speech at the Gaza Peace Summit, Trump praised India without naming Modi directly: “India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top.” He added, “He’s done a fantastic job.”
He then turned toward Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who was standing behind him, and said: “I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together.”
The gesture and the words were notable: a compliment to Modi, even though Modi was not present at the summit (India was represented by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh). The remark drew laughter and some visible reactions from Sharif.
Earlier in the summit, Trump had also praised Pakistan’s military leadership, including Gen Asim Munir, calling him a “favourite Field Marshal.” Trump invited Sharif to address the gathering, which Sharif did promptly.
Sharif, in turn, thanked Trump for his role in achieving peace: he credited Trump’s “untiring and relentless efforts” for helping bring about ceasefire in multiple conflicts, including between India and Pakistan, and said Pakistan had nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Context: What Prompted These Remarks
To understand why these remarks are significant, it helps to review what led up to them.
1. The Gaza Peace Summit
The summit in Sharm el‑Sheikh was intended to consolidate international support for the ceasefire reached in Gaza, after the protracted Israel‑Hamas conflict. It brought together leaders from many countries, particularly from the Middle East and Muslim majorities, to endorse a peace plan, discuss reconstruction, humanitarian relief, and how to prevent future escalations.
Trump positioned himself at the centre of this diplomatic effort, claiming credit for helping negotiate multiple truces and asserting that his interventions had helped avoid further escalation — not just in Gaza, but in South Asia as well.
2. India‑Pakistan Relations
In recent months, the tension between India and Pakistan has had several moments of diplomatic stress, especially around ceasefire lines, border incidents, and the complex dynamics of military vs. diplomatic channels. In May 2025, there was a four‑day conflict in which Trump claimed he played a role in resolving it. Pakistan, in turn, has been publicly acknowledging what it sees as US mediation. India, however, has been more circumspect, often insisting on bilateral mechanisms.
3. Modi’s Absence and India’s Representation
Prime Minister Modi did not attend the Gaza Peace Summit. India was represented by Kirti Vardhan Singh. Modi’s absence was noted in reports, though Trump’s reference to him despite his absence underscores continuing warmth or diplomacy between Trump and Modi.
4. Pakistan’s Tone
Shehbaz Sharif used his opportunity at the summit to laud Trump, and to praise his role in preventing further conflict. He reiterated Pakistan’s nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, and called Trump a “man of peace.”
So when Trump praised Modi and then nodded at Sharif, it was not merely ceremonial — it was embedded in a larger narrative of diplomacy, projected peace, US influence, and the fragile hopes of India‑Pakistan rapprochement (or at least de-escalation).
Reactions & Significance
This moment has elicited varied reactions, both domestically in India and Pakistan, and among international observers.
India’s View
- Media & Public Discourse: Indian media noted the compliment to Modi as another instance of international validation. Some commentary noted the irony (or awkwardness) of Modi being praised in his absence. There has also been commentary about India’s consistent diplomatic stance—making overtures when needed, but often resisting external mediation.
- Political Interpretation: For some, Trump’s praise affirms India’s global standing. For others, there is caution: India has traditionally been wary of external mediation in its affairs with Pakistan.
- Diplomatic Messaging: Modi’s government may see in this an opportunity to highlight India’s image as a capable leader internationally, especially when compared with Pakistan’s visible efforts to highlight US‑led diplomacy.
Pakistan’s Response
- Shehbaz Sharif’s Reaction: He seized the moment, publicly thanking Trump, reinforcing the narrative that Pakistan’s voice is being heard, and trying to position Pakistan as cooperative and invested in peace efforts.
- Political Leverage: Sharif’s praise of Trump and references to the Nobel Peace Prize nomination are part of Pakistan’s attempt to reassert its diplomatic profile, not only in South Asia but in broader Muslim and international circles.
International & Diplomatic Implications
- US Role: The United States, via Trump, is asserting itself as an arbiter and broker of peace in multiple conflicts. Whether those claims hold up under scrutiny will shape how credible those interventions are viewed globally.
- Peers’ Reactions: Other countries watching India‑Pakistan dynamics will interpret Trump’s gesture toward both leaders as US interest in stabilising South Asia. Countries with stakes in the region—China, Russia, Middle Eastern states—will observe implications for power balance.
- Narratives & Diplomacy: Words matter. The phrase “India and Pakistan will live very nicely together” is aspirational, somewhat idealistic. Diplomatically, it signals encouragement for normalization and reduced hostility.
Reading Between the Lines: What It Might Mean
Beyond the optics, there are deeper issues at stake.
A. Balancing Acts and Signaling
Trump’s compliment to Modi, coupled with his direct reference to Pakistan and handling of Shehbaz Sharif in person, is a balancing act. It allows the US to appear neutral — bringing both countries into a peace narrative without overtly taking sides. It also signals to both capitals that the US expects cooperation.
B. Soft Power & Political Capital
For Modi and India, being praised in this manner adds to their image of international legitimacy. For Pakistan and Sharif, the same moment gives much‐needed visibility, diplomatic goodwill, and a narrative to tell the domestic audiences.
C. Potential For Misinterpretation or Backlash
While the gesture is positive in optics, it has risk:
- In India, any perceived foreign pressure or expectation of compromise with Pakistan is politically sensitive. Some may see Trump’s invocation of Pakistan‑India peace as pressure or interference.
- In Pakistan, overt praise of India or calls for peace without addressing harsher or more contentious issues (border skirmishes, Kashmir, etc.) may draw criticism internally.
- There is also debate over Trump’s claims of mediation: India has traditionally held that ceasefires or de‑escalations with Pakistan should be handled via bilateral (or military line) channels, not via third parties.
D. The Credibility Question
How much of what Trump claims (about “resolving conflicts,” “mediating,” etc.) are accepted or backed by both sides? The truth often lies in the follow‑through: whether diplomatic channels remain open, whether ceasefire holds, whether there is a reduction in border incidents, etc.
Broader Implications for India‑Pakistan & Regional Politics
1. Opportunity for Dialogue
Every positive signal creates some space for dialogue. If both India and Pakistan read this moment as an opportunity rather than insult, there might be scope for confidence‑building measures: prisoner exchanges, border de‑escalation, joint statements, or humanitarian cooperation.
2. Domestic Political Use
Both leaders may use this moment back home:
- Modi and BJP could use Trump’s praise to reinforce international support or prestige.
- Sharif and his government might highlight the peace narrative as part of policy or diplomatic success, possibly softening some external criticisms or gaining international legitimacy.
3. US Foreign Policy Posturing
Trump’s behaviour at such summits reflects how he seeks to position the US as kingmaker or peace broker, reinforcing his narrative of being a deal‑maker internationally. Whether this becomes a sustained policy, or more of an optics exercise, will be watched.
4. Risk of Overpromising
These moments generate expectations. If India‑Pakistan tensions flare again—or if peace does not deepen—criticism will likely follow. Both countries have history of ambitions vs realities, and promises made in public forums are often hard to implement fully on the ground.
Challenges, Criticisms, and Unanswered Questions
A. Absence vs Presence
Modi’s absence from the summit dilutes somewhat the effect of praise. Some observers will note: can you truly praise someone “very good friend” when they’re not there to receive it directly? Does it matter?
B. Indian Perspective on Mediation
India has generally been reluctant to acknowledge third‑party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan, preferring bilateral or locally mediated solutions. Trump’s public role may be seen by some Indian analysts as overreach or misrepresentation.
C. Evidence vs Claims
Trump and Sharif’s claims about US mediation, ceasefire facilitation, and so on are sometimes contested. There is ongoing debate over which incidents were mediated by whom, how much influence the US actually had, and whether peace has truly improved.
D. Domestic Politics/Baggage
In both India and Pakistan, domestic constituencies are critical of foreign interference, or of any sign that a country is conceding. In Pakistan, peace overtures are often intertwined with national pride, political narratives, military influence, and security concerns. In India, border security, Jammu & Kashmir, cross‑border terrorism remain sensitive topics that dominate public opinion.
E. Sustainability of Peace
Even if both leaders express optimism, the real test remains if violence, border skirmishes, political tensions are reduced—if communication channels (military and diplomatic) remain functional; whether there are meaningful confidence measures: e.g. people‑to‑people contacts, trade, visa relaxations, etc.
What Comes Next?
Here are some things to watch, given this event, for possible follow‑ups and what may affect the relevance of Trump’s moment:
- Monitoring Border Incidents: Any reduction in cross‑border firing or civilian casualties might indicate that rhetoric is matched with action.
- Diplomatic Visits / Summits: Will there be meetings between Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers, or talks facilitated (implicitly or explicitly) with US or UAE/Egypt mediation, etc.?
- Media Narratives in Both Countries: How Indian media frames Trump’s praise of Modi vs how Pakistani media frames Sharif’s role will matter—both in influencing public sentiment and shaping foreign policy options.
- International Attention & Pressure: Other global powers (China, Russia, EU) might respond or attempt to influence India‑Pakistan relations, seeing an opportunity or perceiving threat.
- On Ground Confidence‑Building: Small gestures (prisoner release, trade relaxations, pilgrim corridors, visa issuance) can signal that public peace is more than just diplomatic showmanship.
- Verification of Trump’s Claims: As the claims of mediation or preventing conflict are repeated, both sides (and international observers) may press for clearer documentation or evidence.
Conclusion
The moment when Trump praised PM Modi — “India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top” — even in his absence, and then looked to Shehbaz Sharif with a remark that “Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together,” captures the mix of hope, symbolism, and complexity that defines diplomacy in South Asia. It is a moment pregnant with both promise and pitfalls.
In an era of high tension, every gesture, every sentence, every glance matters. Whether this will be a turning point or simply another headline will depend on whether what is promised in words translates into sustained action on the ground.
For citizens, analysts, and governments alike, the onus now is on accountability: on both India and Pakistan to show peace isn’t just wished for, but worked for. And on external actors — including the US — to follow through beyond rhetoric. Because in a region scarred by conflict, moments of optimism need to be anchored in real change.
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