WASHINGTON: Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that his threat of “350 per cent tariffs” prevented a military escalation between India and Pakistan in May, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called him to express gratitude for “saving millions” of lives. Trump made the remarks while addressing the US-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday.
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Tensions between India and Pakistan had intensified earlier this year after a deadly terror attack in occupied Kashmir, which Islamabad denied involvement in. According to Trump, both countries were on the brink of conflict, potentially involving nuclear weapons, when he intervened by threatening severe trade tariffs. He recounted conversations with both leaders, asserting that Modi agreed to de-escalate and that Shehbaz praised his intervention.
Trump also highlighted his broader record in brokering peace, claiming that he had ended eight wars, including efforts in Gaza, and said he intended to focus on Sudan at the request of the Saudi crown prince. However, he expressed disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin for not cooperating to end Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
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The former president claimed his approach relied on economic pressure rather than military threats, stating, “I tell you what, the prime minister of Pakistan called me … he said, ‘President Trump saved millions and millions of lives.’” Trump also criticized President Joe Biden, suggesting he would not have managed the situation effectively.
India has disputed Trump’s account, saying that the ceasefire was not the result of his intervention or trade threats. Trump, meanwhile, continued to frame his role in international diplomacy as central to averting major conflicts and saving lives.
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