Hindutva trolls mad at Trump for brokering peace with Pakistan

US President Donald Trump has brokered peace between nuclear-armed warring neighbours Pakistan and India, but that has not stopped the wrath of right-wing Hindutva trolls. 

The candid American President has once again stirred controversy — this time by suggesting that India and Pakistan should “have a nice dinner together,” a remark that has sparked strong reactions across India.

At the US-Saudi Investment Forum held in Saudi Arabia, Trump said, "Perhaps we could even arrange a nice dinner together for them, Marco. Wouldn't that be nice," referring to India and Pakistan while talking to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acknowledged by Pakistan as a key interlocutor in ending the hostilities between the two countries. 

This isn’t the first time Trump has intervened in the matter. A few days earlier, he had posted on social media that the US had facilitated a "full and immediate ceasefire" between the two nations, which had been experiencing cross-border clashes for four days. In an additional post, he remarked: "I will collaborate with both of you to see if, after a thousand years, a resolution can be found regarding Kashmir."

Trump's involvement comes at a particularly delicate moment. India conducted airstrikes on ___ on what it referred to as terrorist camps in Pakistan following a deadly incident targeting tourists in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Although Pakistan denied any involvement, the airstrikes led to a military confrontation involving fighter jets and drones.

While some diplomatic circles recognize the US role in de-escalating the situation, Trump's public assertion of credit along with his suggestion for mediation has incited backlash in India.

India has consistently dismissed the idea of third-party involvement in the Kashmir conflict, viewing the issue as an internal affair. Former Indian foreign secretary Shyam Saran expressed that Trump's remark contradicts India's established stance for many years. Pakistan, however, has always welcomed international meditation in the matter. 

On X, users in India voiced their anger. One user commented: “The outrage in the Indian establishment against the deceptions and falsehoods of the Trump administration is beyond imagination.” Another stated: “It’s time for India to firmly articulate its diplomatic dissatisfaction.”

Criticism also emerged from former Trump supporters. “The Indian Right is incredibly short-sighted how could you not see that Trump is a narcissistic loudmouth,” another post read.

Others noted Prime Minister Modi’s lack of response, highlighting that Trump’s statement conflicts with India's account of the situation. One comment observed: “Modi can’t even say his name and call him out. Godi Media won’t show you this.”

A viral meme summed up the mood: a photo of Trump with the caption “New PM of India + Pakistan.”