Trump Touts Tariff Threats as Key to Halting India-Pakistan Military Clash
In a bold declaration at the inaugural meeting of his self-styled "Board of Peace," US President Donald Trump reiterated his confidence in using economic pressure as a tool for conflict resolution. Speaking on Thursday, Trump referenced the heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025, claiming his intervention was pivotal in preventing a full-scale war.
Claims of Averting Nuclear Catastrophe with Tariff Ultimatum
Trump detailed how he leveraged trade deals to broker peace, stating he threatened to impose a staggering 200 per cent tariff on both nations if hostilities continued. "I called them and I said, listen, I'm not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don't settle this up," Trump recounted. He emphasized that financial consequences were a decisive factor, noting, "When it came to losing a lot of money, they said, I guess we don't want to fight."
The US President boasted that his actions saved an estimated 25 million lives, citing a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was present at the event. Trump quoted Sharif as saying, "President Trump saved 25 million lives when he stopped the war between us and India." He described the conflict as "raging," with 11 jets shot down during the escalation.
Pakistan's Alignment and India's Rejection of Mediation Claims
Pakistan has swiftly aligned itself with Trump's narrative, joining the Board of Peace and nominating him for the Nobel Prize through its army chief Asim Munir and PM Sharif. This move underscores Islamabad's endorsement of Trump's purported peace efforts.
In stark contrast, India has firmly distanced itself from these claims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that no foreign mediation occurred during the May 2025 military situation, which followed Operation Sindoor. New Delhi maintains that the de-escalation was managed bilaterally, rejecting Trump's assertions of personal involvement.
Board of Peace Initiative and Global Implications
The Board of Peace, Trump's initiative aimed at promoting global stability, has sent invitations to several countries, including India. While Pakistan's immediate participation highlights its support, India's cautious stance reflects broader diplomatic complexities. This event underscores ongoing debates about the role of economic measures in international conflict resolution and the verification of such high-stakes claims.
As global leaders watch these developments, the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of tariff-based diplomacy and the accuracy of historical accounts in tense geopolitical contexts.
