Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump claimed he played a pivotal role in preventing an India-Pakistan conflict by threatening both nations with a staggering 350% tariff. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday, he recounted receiving personal assurances from the leaders of both countries that they would steer clear of military action.

Trump asserted that he cautioned both countries of imposing hefty tariffs if any hostilities persisted. He recounted a conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who allegedly thanked him for saving countless lives, and claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to confirm India’s intent to avoid war. Trump elaborated on his conversation with Modi, noting that they agreed to 'make a deal' to defuse tensions.

These claims are not new; Trump has made similar assertions over the past few months, crediting himself with brokering the ceasefire that followed the India-Pakistan conflict on May 10. His narrative has shifted over time, with tariff percentages varying from 200% to 350% in his past statements.

Nevertheless, the Indian government has outright denied Trump’s version of events. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously clarified that there was no direct communication between Modi and Trump during the crisis. Only US Vice President JD Vance allegedly contacted PM Modi to alert him of a potential Pakistani offensive. India has reiterated that they did not discuss any trade threats, highlighting that the ceasefire arose from direct talks between India and Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in May 2025 following India’s Operation Sindoor, a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Despite Trump’s proclamations regarding his role in averting war, India insists that the diplomatic efforts leading to the ceasefire were solely bilateral in nature.

Trump's comments, made in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, are consistent with his history of magnifying his impact on global issues. Analysts suggest that although the US may have participated in diplomatic efforts, Trump’s portrayal of himself as the key factor in preventing war contradicts official accounts from India.

#Global