US President **Donald Trump** creates a viral diplomatic moment during the first meeting of the **Board of Peace** (a US-led initiative that focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza and resolving the large-scale conflict) at the US Institute of Peace in Washington on February 19, 2026. Addressing the audience, which included the leaders of Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and other countries, Trump singled out Pakistani Prime Minister **Shehbaz Sharif**, asking him to “stand up” during the middle of the speech.
As Sharif stood awkwardly, Trump boasted about his alleged role in deescalating tensions during the May 2025 India-Pakistan standoff (triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s “Operation Vermillion” airstrike), and reiterated that he had brokered the ceasefire. He further said, “I spoke to PM Modi; he said he is looking at us right now,” and praised Sharif while focusing on India. The clip, which was widely shared on
Trump took things further, claiming he threatened both countries with **200% tariffs** on trade if the fighting continued: “When it comes to money, there’s no such thing as money… I guess we don’t want to fight,” he said. He further exaggerated earlier estimates, alleging that **11 “very expensive” jets** were shot down (contrary to earlier claims of five) and crediting himself with saving millions of lives. He also praised Pakistan Chief of Army Staff **General Asim Munir**, calling him a “great field marshal” and a “tough man,” recalling that Munir had reportedly told a US official that Trump “saved 25 million lives.”
In his remarks, Sharif described Trump as a “man of peace” and “the messiah of South Asia,” and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
India participated only as an **observer** (Chargé d’Affaires Namgya Khampa), and kept a low profile. The External Affairs Ministry has repeatedly rejected Trump’s claims of mediation, and insisted that the ceasefire was the result of direct DGMO-level talks between India and Pakistan without any third party involvement.
The event, which focused primarily on Gaza (with promises of billions in aid and troops), drew attention for Trump’s signature style—flattery, boasting, and outlandish gestures—amid viral clips and social media reaction.
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