New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he defused the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan with his stern economic warning. According to Trump, he threatened to impose tariffs of up to 350 percent on both countries, which ultimately brought the situation under control. However, India has consistently denied any third-party mediation and maintains that the de-escalation occurred through bilateral talks.
Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump reiterated his expertise in conflict resolution and has contributed to the resolution of international crises over the years. He claimed he was deeply concerned about a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, as it could put millions of innocent lives at risk.
The threat of a 350% tariff had an impact
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was also present at the event, where Trump said he had clearly warned both nuclear-armed neighbours that if they did not de-escalate tensions, the US would impose a massive 350 per cent tariff on their trade.
According to Trump, “I told both countries clearly, ‘Fight if you want to, but after imposing 350% tariffs, you won’t be able to do any trade with the United States.'” He added that after this threat, both India and Pakistan contacted him and urged him not to take such drastic economic steps.
Phone call claims
Trump further stated that he had instructed his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, to have orders ready to impose tariffs if necessary. According to him, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, called him in front of White House Chief of Staff Suzy Wiles and thanked him for “saving millions of lives.”
After this, Trump claims he received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Trump, Modi said, “We’ve completed the task.” “I asked, ‘What task?’ He replied, ‘We’re not going to war.'” Trump said that upon hearing this, he thanked Modi and, moving the conversation forward, said the two countries could now reach a good trade agreement.
Trump’s oft-repeated claim
Trump also said from the stage that he has contributed to preventing many conflicts around the world and saved millions of lives. This is not the first time he has claimed his role in the India-Pakistan tensions. He has publicly reiterated this claim more than 60 times in the past few months.
He has repeated this statement several times since he said on May 10 via social media that the two countries had agreed on a “complete and immediate” ceasefire under US mediation.
India’s stance
India has categorically stated that no third party played a role in de-escalating tensions with Pakistan. India maintains that the situation was critical after Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted Pakistan-backed terrorist infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam attack. However, the decision to de-escalate tensions was reached on May 10 after direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries.
