Trump repeats claim of averting India-Pakistan war, cites trade leverage

United States President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that his administration prevented a potentially catastrophic war between India and Pakistan, asserting that he used trade negotiations as leverage to bring both nations to the table.

Speaking at a public event on Monday, President Trump stated, “We’ve been very successful in settling wars. You have India and Pakistan. You have Rwanda and the Congo—that was going on for 30 years. India, by the way, Pakistan would have been a nuclear war within another week, the way that was going. That was going very badly, and we did that through trade.”

He added that both Prime Ministers responded positively after he made it clear that trade discussions would not proceed until military tensions eased.

What Unfolded on the Ground

The India-Pakistan standoff intensified following a brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on 22 April, which killed 26 people. The attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed terror operatives, occurred during the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to New Delhi.

In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May. The Indian Air Force targeted nine terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through high-precision airstrikes.

Pakistan attempted a counter-response with drone and missile attacks on Indian cities, but all incoming threats were successfully intercepted by India’s air defence systems. There were no casualties or property damage.

India responded further by striking 11 major Pakistani airbases, including strategic facilities such as Nur Khan and Rahim Yar Khan, making it clear that it was prepared to escalate if provoked.

Amid the rising hostilities, it was reportedly the Pakistani military’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) who reached out to his Indian counterpart to request an immediate halt to military activity—on land, in the air, and at sea. This outreach marked the beginning of a de-escalation process.

Diplomatic pressure or tactical moves?

While President Trump’s comments underscore the diplomatic influence Washington holds in South Asia, especially via trade, neither New Delhi nor Islamabad has confirmed that US trade threats were the determining factor in cooling tensions.

Defence analysts believe that military prudence and direct communication between the two militaries played a key role in preventing further escalation. However, they acknowledge that diplomatic pressure from Washington may have contributed to encouraging dialogue.

Trump also referenced his administration’s role in resolving the long-standing conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, the peace process in Central Africa has historically involved complex negotiations led by the African Union and neighbouring nations.

As President Trump prepares for the final year of his second term, his foreign policy record is under increased public and political scrutiny—especially with respect to high-stakes international conflicts.