In a diplomatic faux pas that drew sharp reactions, former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday mistakenly referred to India as Iran not once, but twice, while recounting his version of events during a recent period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
The Gaffe and The Tariff Claim
While repeating his assertion about negotiating a ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad, Trump incorrectly labelled India as a nuclear nation called Iran. "If you look at Pakistan and Iran... I told them I was in the midst of negotiating a trade deal with Iran and Pakistan," he stated, clearly confusing the two nations.
He further claimed that he had threatened both countries with massive economic penalties to prevent an escalation. Trump asserted he told them, "you go to war, and I gotta put a 200% tariff and stop you from doing any business in the United States." He boasted that this threat led to the conflict ending within 24 hours, calling it a potential nuclear war.
PM Modi's Firm Rebuttal in Parliament
These claims stand in direct contrast to the account provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi firmly stated that no global leader had asked India to halt its military response following intelligence of a planned Pakistani attack.
Sharing new details about Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister revealed that on May 9, US Vice President JD Vance had urgently tried to contact him. "The Vice President of America told me on the phone that Pakistan is going to launch a big attack. My answer was that if Pakistan has this intention, it will cost them a lot. If Pakistan attacks, we will respond by launching a big attack," PM Modi told the House.
He emphasized that his response was clear and decisive, and that the operation's objectives were firmly communicated.
Operation Sindoor: Still Active, Nuclear Bluff Called
In a significant declaration, the Prime Minister indicated that the military posture remains unchanged. "Operation Sindoor has not been called off yet and Pakistan remains on notice," he stated, sending a clear message of readiness.
He also addressed the perennial specter of nuclear threats, asserting that India had successfully called Pakistan's "nuclear bluff" and would not succumb to nuclear blackmail. This statement underscores a strategic shift in how India perceives and responds to nuclear deterrence posturing from its neighbor.
The episode highlights a clear disconnect between the narrative being presented internationally and the official version from the Indian government, with New Delhi taking a firm stance on its sovereign right to self-defence.
