In a bold diplomatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he leveraged American trade discussions to help de-escalate rising military tensions between India and Pakistan. The two nuclear-armed neighbors, embroiled in their fiercest clash since the 1999 Kargil war, agreed to a ceasefire following intense U.S. efforts.
Trump stated that trade incentives played a crucial role in persuading both sides to halt hostilities. At the White House, he noted, “Trade is a powerful tool—one that hasn’t been used like this before.” According to Trump, the U.S. was in talks with India over a trade deal and planned to initiate similar negotiations with Pakistan, using this as leverage to stop the conflict.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the truce as an interim pause, contrary to Washington’s optimism. In a speech, Modi warned that any meaningful engagement with Pakistan would only center around terrorism and the disputed Kashmir region. He also insisted that Pakistan dismantle what he called “terrorist infrastructure” within its borders.
A fatal attack in Kashmir under Indian administration, which Pakistan-based militants were blamed by India, had set off the conflict. This led to retaliatory strikes from both nations, escalating fears of a full-blown war.
Pakistan, on the other hand, hailed its response to Indian aggression as a unified national effort. Military spokesman Lt. Gen. Recurring challenges to Pakistan’s sovereignty would result in severe retaliation, according to Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
Trump, expressing hope for long-term peace, posted on his platform Truth Social, offering to assist both countries in resolving the Kashmir dispute—an issue that has plagued the region for decades. However, India reiterated its long-standing position that Kashmir remains a bilateral matter, resisting any third-party mediation.
