Washington, D.C., U.S. : President Donald Trump has once again asserted that he played a decisive role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year by threatening both nations with steep trade tariffs. Speaking at the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum, Trump claimed he warned the two nuclear-armed neighbors of a 350% tariff on all trade with the United States if they did not step back from the brink of war.
Addressing an audience that included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump said, “They were going to go at it—nuclear weapons. I told them, ‘You can go at it, but I’m putting a 350% tariff on each country. No more trade with the United States.’”
According to Trump, the threat prompted both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reach out to him directly. He recounted that Modi called to say, “We’re not going to go to war,” to which Trump responded, “Let’s make a deal.”
Trump’s Repeated Claims of Mediation
This is not the first time Trump has made such a claim. Since May 10, when he posted on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire following what he described as a “long night” of U.S.-led talks, he has reiterated the story over 60 times in public appearances and interviews.
Trump emphasized his use of economic leverage, stating, “I used tariffs to settle all these wars. Five of the eight were settled because of the economy, because of trade, because of tariffs.” He added that he had instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to prepare for the tariff imposition, but later offered a trade deal once the countries backed down.
He also claimed that Sharif personally thanked him in front of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for “saving millions of lives.”
India’s Official Position: No Third-Party Role
Despite Trump’s repeated assertions, the Indian government has consistently denied any third-party involvement in its ceasefire understanding with Pakistan. According to official statements from New Delhi, the agreement to halt hostilities was reached through direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.
The ceasefire followed India’s launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, a military response targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation came in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
India maintains that the May 10 ceasefire was the result of bilateral military dialogue and not influenced by external mediation.
Political Optics and Global Reactions
Trump’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions globally. While some view his claims as an example of unconventional diplomacy, others question the accuracy and timing of his statements, especially given India’s firm stance on bilateral conflict resolution.
The U.S. administration has not released any official documentation supporting Trump’s version of events, and neither the Indian nor Pakistani governments have confirmed the alleged phone calls.
Nonetheless, Trump continues to frame the episode as a major diplomatic success, citing it as part of his broader strategy of using economic tools to resolve international disputes.
