ANI
Washington — Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has dismissed Donald Trump’s repeated assertions of having played a decisive role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, saying the former president “takes credit for everything.”
Speaking to news agency ANI, Bolton said Trump’s claims were not a slight against India but rather reflective of his general approach to public relations. “This is Donald Trump, who takes credit for everything… It’s typical of Trump because he would jump in before everyone else could take credit. It may be irritating, probably is irritating to many people, but it’s nothing against India — it’s just Trump being Trump,” Bolton remarked.
Bolton also weighed in on India’s recent military action against Pakistan, conducted under Operation Sindoor, in response to a terror attack in Kashmir on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 people. He defended India’s right to retaliate, calling the action “entirely justifiable.”
“India was entitled to act in self-defence against locations inside Pakistan where the terrorist attack was planned and carried out from,” Bolton said. “It is a significant issue when a country cannot control that kind of terrorist activity on its territory — or is perhaps even contributing to it.”
He emphasized that Pakistan must take serious steps to rein in terror activities operating from within its borders, warning that failure to do so could result in severe consequences. “This is ultimately not in their interest and can lead to much worse consequences for them if they don’t get it under control,” he cautioned.
Bolton’s comments come amid ongoing tensions in South Asia and continued international concern over terrorism in the region. His remarks offer a strong endorsement of India’s stance on cross-border terrorism and cast doubt on Trump’s claims of successful mediation.
