The government of Pakistan has officially nominated United States President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. The announcement was made on Saturday through an official post on social media, just days after Trump hosted Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir at the White House.

Pakistan’s government praised Trump’s “pivotal leadership” and “strategic foresight” during the tense standoff that followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack led to a rapid escalation of hostilities, with India conducting precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The military confrontation lasted four days before both sides agreed to halt further action following talks between their directors general of military operations on May 10.

According to Islamabad, Trump’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy was instrumental in brokering a ceasefire and averting a potentially catastrophic conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The Pakistani government described Trump as a “genuine peacemaker”, stating that his “critical engagement” helped de-escalate the situation through dialogue. Pakistan also highlighted Trump’s repeated offers to mediate the Kashmir issue as evidence of his “sincere commitment to durable peace in South Asia”.

India’s Denial of Any Foreign Mediation

However, India has firmly denied any foreign mediation in the crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told Trump that discussions took place solely at Pakistan’s request, and “no other nation was involved.” New Delhi maintains that the truce was the result of direct negotiations between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, not external intervention.

The nomination comes at a time when Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping to broker peace between India and Pakistan, though his assertions have often been dismissed by Indian officials. In his response to the nomination, Trump said he should have received the Nobel Peace Prize “four or five times,” not only for his efforts in South Asia but also in other conflict zones such as Congo, Rwanda, and the Balkans.

The move by Pakistan is likely to deepen diplomatic tensions with India, especially given the competing narratives around the recent crisis and the long-standing dispute over Kashmir. While some observers see the nomination as a bold recognition of diplomatic efforts, others view it as a controversial gesture, considering Trump’s polarising global reputation.

Regardless of the outcome, Pakistan’s decision to recommend Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize has reignited global interest in the prestigious award and the complex geopolitics of South Asia.