Trump Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan Conflict with 350% Tariff Threat

United States President Donald Trump has once again said that he personally stopped a possible conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year. Trump made this claim while speaking at a major international forum in the United States, where he explained how he threatened both countries with large trade tariffs to force them to de-escalate.

His claim has been repeated more than 60 times in recent months, even though India has consistently maintained that no third party was involved and the final agreement was reached through direct military communication between India and Pakistan.

Where and When the Claim Was Made

Trump made the remarks while speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum, attended by senior leaders and business representatives. During the speech, he discussed how he believed that economic pressure and trade measures were more effective than military action in controlling global conflicts.

Trump’s Version of the Events

Trump said that in May, tensions between India and Pakistan had reached a point where both nations were close to launching serious military action, including the possibility of nuclear escalation. According to him, he intervened by telling both sides that:

• The United States would impose a 350% tariff on every product coming from India and Pakistan

• All trade with both countries could be stopped

• The US would not allow millions of people to die in a nuclear exchange that could also affect American cities

Trump said that he informed the Treasury Secretary to prepare for the tariff order and told the leaders of India and Pakistan that they could contact him if they decided to step back.

He claimed that both countries immediately responded and requested that the tariffs not be imposed. Trump further stated that:

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister thanked him for helping avoid a war

• India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called to say that India was “not going to go to war”

Trump added that he then told Modi, “Let’s make a deal,” and called the outcome a major diplomatic success of his leadership.

What Was Happening on the Ground

The situation Trump referred to began after a major attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. In response, on May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The operations increased tension, and both militaries were placed on heightened alert.

Three days later, on May 10, India and Pakistan agreed to halt offensive activities after a direct conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries.

India Strongly Rejects Trump’s Story

Indian officials have denied Trump’s account multiple times. New Delhi has maintained a clear and consistent position:

• No third party, including the United States, mediated

• The ceasefire understanding was reached directly between Indian and Pakistani military leadership

• India does not accept foreign mediation in bilateral security matters

This has been India’s official diplomatic position for many years, regardless of who is in government.

Why Trump’s Claims Are Drawing Attention

Trump has brought up this story repeatedly, both in public speeches and meetings. He said that:

• His method of settling global disputes relied on economic pressure rather than military force

• Tariffs were effective in stopping five out of eight potential international conflicts

• His approach saved “millions of lives”

Supporters of Trump see these comments as highlighting his unconventional diplomatic approach. Critics argue that the claims are exaggerated and do not match official accounts from the countries involved.

Why This Matters

Trump’s repeated statements have become a major point of discussion because:

• India and Pakistan remain two nuclear-armed neighbors with long-standing security tensions

• Any claim of third-party involvement in military decisions is politically sensitive in both countries

• Diplomatic relations between India and the United States are closely followed worldwide

With Trump again active on the political stage, his comments are being widely discussed in foreign policy debates.

Trump says he prevented a potential India-Pakistan war by using trade threats and personal diplomacy. India, however, firmly maintains that the de-escalation happened only through direct military communication and did not involve outside mediation.

The contrasting versions of events have created a fresh wave of attention as regional security and global diplomatic strategies continue to evolve.