India, June 18 -- US President Donald Trump on Wednesday once claimed credit for stopping a "war" between India and Pakistan, while praising both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir for their roles in de-escalating tensions in May.

Speaking to reporters in Washington ahead of Asim Munir's lunch with Donald Trump, the US president said, "I stopped the war between India and Pakistan. I love Pakistan, and Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night, and we will make a trade deal with Modi of India."

Trump said General Munir played a key role in calming the situation from the Pakistani side, while PM Modi was instrumental on behalf of India. "This man (Asim Munir) was extremely influential ...