The Conflicting Claims of Mediation
The core of the "international game" involves competing claims over who brokered the ceasefire that ended the four-day conflict in May 2025:
India's Stance: The Indian government has consistently and firmly rejected any third-party mediation. New Delhi maintains that the de-escalation was achieved solely through existing bilateral military channels, specifically a hotline communication between the Indian and Pakistani Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) on May 10, 2025.
Donald Trump's Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for mediating during "Operation Sindoor" and bringing the conflict to an end, a claim the U.S. State Department also acknowledged with an award for one of its officials involved in diplomatic outreach. Pakistan initially highlighted Trump's role and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize for his alleged efforts.
China's Claim: In late December 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China played a mediatory role in the India-Pakistan conflict. This claim was subsequently supported by Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, in January 2026, who said Chinese leaders were in constant touch with both sides, describing the contacts as "highly positive diplomatic exchanges" that contributed to peace.