At the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, President Donald Trump claimed he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by using trade as leverage. He said his administration stepped in after both nations exchanged missiles and artillery fire, and that he told leaders to “trade goods, not nuclear missiles.” Trump even proposed that they “go out and have a nice meal together” after praising the leadership in both nations.
However, India swiftly dismissed his version of events. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed there was diplomatic contact during the crisis but firmly denied that trade was discussed. According to India, the ceasefire stemmed from direct pressure and military considerations, not American economic diplomacy.
The flare-up began after an Indian airstrike on alleged militant sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated, raising fears of escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals. Although tensions have decreased as a result of the truce, the central conflict over Kashmir has not been settled. Trump’s comments drew global attention but were viewed more as political theater than concrete diplomacy.
