Washington, May 12: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that the potential for a nuclear conflict was averted through strategic use of trade diplomacy. Speaking at a White House press briefing before departing for the Middle East, Trump said he leveraged trade negotiations to persuade both nations to halt hostilities.
“We’re going to do a lot of trade with India and Pakistan. But I told them — if you stop the fighting, we’ll do trade. If you don’t, we won’t,” Trump said, suggesting that the promise of economic engagement was a key factor in ending the recent military standoff.
The ceasefire followed a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The attack was linked to a Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, leading to heightened tensions and military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
President Trump praised the leadership of both nations for showing “wisdom and fortitude” in recognizing the danger of escalation. “They were going at it hot and heavy,” Trump said. “I think it could have been a bad nuclear war. Millions could have been killed.”
While Trump did not provide details on how trade offers were extended, he stated that his administration played a pivotal role in securing a “full and immediate” ceasefire. Although there is no formal evidence suggesting an imminent nuclear exchange, the U.S. President emphasized the importance of timely diplomacy.
Negotiations for a U.S.-India trade deal have been ongoing, with renewed optimism under Trump’s leadership, following failed talks in 2019. Similar discussions with Pakistan are reportedly being considered.
“I’m very proud of what we accomplished,” Trump concluded, crediting the outcome to his administration’s diplomatic and economic strategy.
