In a recent statement from the Oval Office, former US President Donald Trump shared his perspective on the India-Pakistan conflict, claiming his trade tactics—particularly the use of tariffs—were instrumental in halting what could have been a devastating war between two nuclear-armed nations.
“Tariffs are not just about money. They are peacekeeping tools,” Trump asserted. “We make hundreds of billions of dollars, yes—but more than that, we prevent wars. I use tariffs to stop wars.”
Trump recounted the heightened tensions earlier in the year when India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation for a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives. This led to intense military exchanges between India and Pakistan, including cross-border drone and missile strikes. The situation seemed on the brink of full-blown war.
“They were ready to go at it. Seven planes shot down. These are nuclear powers we’re talking about,” Trump said. “I don’t want to reveal exactly what I said, but it was very effective. They stopped. And that was because of trade, because of tariffs.”
While Trump maintains that his behind-the-scenes communication influenced the ceasefire agreement reached on May 10, India has strongly and consistently denied any third-party mediation. Indian officials affirmed that the de-escalation came through direct military dialogue between both nations’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated in Parliament that no foreign leader or government played a role in halting Operation Sindoor.
Still, Trump stands by his claim. “I’ve ended seven wars,” he said, referencing conflicts in Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan—along with India and Pakistan. “At least half of them were resolved because I had the power of tariffs. If I didn’t, thousands would be dying every day right now.”
