Trump Claims Role in India-Pakistan Ceasefire with Tariff Threats

US President Donald Trump has made a controversial assertion regarding his involvement in easing tensions between India and Pakistan. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum on March 15, 2024, Trump claimed that he intervened in the conflict by threatening tariffs on both nations. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted him to express that India would not engage in warfare.

During his remarks, Trump recounted a conversation where he purportedly threatened to impose a 350% tariff on both countries, stating that he would prohibit trade with the United States if military actions continued. He emphasized his ability to mediate disputes, claiming, “I’m good at settling disputes… I was talking about the different wars… India, Pakistan… they were going to go at it, nuclear weapons.”

Trump’s comments included claims that he received assurances from both sides against military escalation. He stated, “I’m going to do it. Come back to me and I’ll take it down. But I’m not going to have you guys shooting nuclear weapons at each other, killing millions of people.” He asserted that the threat of significant tariffs had a calming effect on the situation.

The president expressed confidence in his diplomatic efforts, saying, “Now, no other president would have done that… I used tariffs to settle all these wars.” He maintained that his approach had previously helped resolve conflicts, attributing five of eight such disputes to economic measures.

Trump also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan thanked him during a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, acknowledging his role in preventing potential catastrophe. The conversation reportedly culminated in Modi’s reassurance that India would not go to war. Trump recounted, “I got a call from Prime Minister Modi saying, ‘we’re done’. I said, ‘you’re done with what?’” and claimed that Modi confirmed, “We’re not going to go to war.”

These statements reflect Trump’s ongoing narrative regarding his administration’s foreign relations, particularly concerning nuclear-capable nations. His assertions, however, have faced skepticism and have been dismissed by officials in New Delhi previously. As tensions in South Asia remain a critical concern, Trump’s claims highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the potential implications of economic sanctions.

The dialogue surrounding the India-Pakistan relationship and the role of external actors continues to evolve, with the global community monitoring developments closely.