ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump has once again claimed responsibility for brokering the recent ceasefire between Pakistan and India, describing trade negotiations as a central tool in halting the escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Speaking during a press conference at the Oval Office on Friday alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Trump said his administration played a decisive role in preventing a potential war between the two South Asian countries.
“We stopped Pakistan and India from fighting. I believe that could have turned out into a nuclear disaster,” Trump stated.
Trade Used as a Peace Strategy
Trump emphasized that his administration used trade as a form of diplomacy, warning both Islamabad and New Delhi that continued hostilities would jeopardize their economic relations with the United States.
“We talked trade and we said we can’t trade with people that are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons,” he said. “I said, fellas, come on, let’s make a deal. Let’s do some trading. Let’s not trade nuclear missiles. Let’s trade the things that you make so beautifully.”
Trump lauded the leadership in both countries, calling them “very powerful, strong, good and smart leaders” for agreeing to de-escalate tensions.
Ceasefire Announcement and Global Reaction
Earlier this month, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following four days of intense clashes involving artillery, missiles, and drones—marking their worst military confrontation in decades. Trump has repeatedly pointed to his administration’s behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the agreement.
The U.S. President also referenced the potential human cost of the conflict.
“Millions of people could have died from that conflict that started off small and was getting bigger and bigger by the day,” he said.
Light-Hearted Remarks Amid Serious Tensions
During a speech at the Saudi Arabia-U.S. Investment Forum 2025, Trump struck a lighter tone about the resolution, suggesting the two countries might build closer ties.
“They are actually getting along. Maybe we can even get them together where they go out and have a nice dinner together. Wouldn’t that be nice?” he said.
Continued Diplomatic Push
Trump hinted that his administration remains engaged in similar diplomatic efforts worldwide.
“We are stopping others from fighting also, because ultimately, we can fight better than anybody. We have the greatest military in the world. We have the greatest leaders in the world,” he said.
The comments come as the U.S. deepens trade discussions with both Pakistan and India, with each country seeking to mitigate the impact of new American tariffs on exports. Pakistan is expected to send a trade delegation to Washington next week in hopes of securing more favorable terms.
