Sharm el-Sheikh: US President Donald Trump on Monday lauded India and its leadership without explicitly naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top.”

Speaking at a summit of world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh following a ceasefire in Gaza that ended the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump added, “I think India and Pakistan will live very nicely together.”

“India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top and he's just done a fantastic job. I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together,” Trump said, glancing at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif standing behind him, who responded with a chuckle.

How did Trump address Pakistan?

Earlier in his address, Trump praised Prime Minister Sharif and his “favourite field marshal,” Pakistan army chief Gen Asim Munir. He also invited the Pakistan prime minister to speak before the gathering.

What did Sharif say about Trump?

Sharif acknowledged that peace had been achieved in the Middle East due to the “untiring and relentless efforts” of President Trump.

“Pakistan had nominated President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his outstanding (and) extraordinary contributions to first stop the war between India and Pakistan and then achieve a ceasefire along with his very wonderful team,” he said.

Sharif further added, “I would like to nominate Trump again for the Nobel Peace Prize for saving millions of lives not only in South Asia but also in the Middle East.”

How has Trump described his role in conflicts?

After missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has claimed to have resolved eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan, saying he did not do this for the Nobel.

Trump has been claiming to have settled seven conflicts so far, including the India-Pakistan one. He has now increased the number to eight by adding the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Since May 10, Trump has repeatedly stated on social media that India and Pakistan agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington.

What is India’s position on the ceasefire?

India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.

Following four days of cross-border drone and missile strikes, India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict.