Trump Claims 200% Tariffs Stopped War Between India and Pakistan

Trump Credits Tariffs for U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claim of resolving the recent India-Pakistan conflict through tariff threats, stating that he warned both nations of up to 200% levies to avert a nuclear escalation. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to the Middle East for a Gaza hostage release following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Trump described tariffs as a key diplomatic tool. "Tariffs have given us diplomatic and negotiating strength. I settled a few wars just based on tariffs. For example, between India and Pakistan. I said, If you guys want to fight a war and you have nuclear weapons, I am going to put big tariffs on you both, like 100 per cent, 150 per cent, and 200 per cent," he said.

Trump, who has frequently touted his role in de-escalating the four-day skirmish known as Operation Sindoor in May 2025—triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, killing 26 civilians—claimed the intervention resolved the crisis in 24 hours. "I said I am putting tariffs. I had that thing settled in 24 hours. If I didn't have tariffs, you could have never settled that war," he added, framing U.S. trade policy as a peacekeeping mechanism amid his administration's broader tariff initiatives on imports. The conflict involved cross-border drone and missile strikes, with Trump announcing a "full and immediate ceasefire" on social media after what he called a "long night" of mediated talks. He boasted of preventing "seven planes" from being shot down and averting a nuclear confrontation between the two neighbours.

India has consistently rejected Trump's assertions of U.S. mediation, emphasising that the truce resulted from direct military-to-military communications between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. In a June phone call with Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "clearly conveyed" that no third-party involvement occurred and no trade discussions influenced the decision, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

New Delhi's stance aligns with its long-standing policy under the 1972 Simla Agreement, viewing Kashmir and bilateral issues as internal matters not subject to external intervention. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed this in September, admitting India rejected third-party mediation and clarifying that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the bilateral nature of the resolution. Despite these denials, Trump has repeated the narrative multiple times, including in October addresses where he credited tariffs for global stability.

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Shifting focus, Trump expressed intent to address escalating border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan upon his return, amid reports of heavy fighting that killed dozens of soldiers on both sides over the weekend. "This will be my eighth war that I have solved, and I hear there is a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I said, I'll have to wait till I get back. I am doing another one. Because I am good at solving wars," he remarked, downplaying Nobel Peace Prize aspirations while emphasising humanitarian motives.

The Afghan Taliban accused Pakistan of airstrikes in Kabul, prompting retaliatory actions and border closures, exacerbating longstanding Durand Line disputes. Regional powers, including India, Pakistan, China, and Russia, recently opposed U.S. plans to reclaim the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan via the Moscow Format consultations, citing threats to stability. Trump's comments highlight his unconventional foreign policy blending economic leverage with conflict resolution, though they risk straining ties with allies like India amid ongoing trade frictions.

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