Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has once again credited his administration’s trade policies—specifically the use of tariffs—as a tool to prevent global conflicts, citing the example of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan during his time in office.
Speaking at a recent event, Trump claimed that his intervention played a key role in defusing a potential military clash between the two South Asian neighbours, both of which possess nuclear capabilities.
“If I didn’t have the power of tariffs, you would have at least four of the seven wars raging right now,” Trump said. Referring to a previous standoff between India and Pakistan, he added, “They were on the verge of war. Seven planes were shot down. They were ready to go at it… and then they are nuclear powers. I don’t want to say exactly what I said, but what I said was very effective—and they stopped. That was based on tariffs and trade.”
Though Trump did not specify which particular episode he was referring to, his remarks appear to allude to the 2019 military escalation between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, which resulted in airstrikes and the downing of fighter jets on both sides.
During that time, the Trump administration publicly urged restraint but largely refrained from taking a heavy-handed diplomatic role. However, Trump now suggests that his behind-the-scenes communication—paired with economic leverage—played a significant part in easing tensions.
The former president has often touted tariffs as a strategic tool in foreign policy, framing them not just as economic instruments but also as levers to influence international behavior. His administration imposed several trade restrictions during his term, including on China, the European Union, and India.
While his comments have sparked renewed discussion, they are likely to be met with skepticism among foreign policy experts, many of whom argue that regional diplomacy and backchannel talks were more instrumental in de-escalating the India-Pakistan standoff.
Trump did not provide further details on what specific measures were taken or what communication was exchanged with either New Delhi or Islamabad at the time.
