Trump Says US Stopped Nuclear War Between India and Pakistan, Used Trade as a Tool
US President Trump claims American diplomacy prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, using trade incentives to push both sides toward peace.
Trump Claims US Averted Nuclear War Between Pakistan and India, Cites Trade as Key Factor
Washington, May 12, 2025 – US President Donald Trump has claimed that American diplomacy prevented a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan following their recent military clashes. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States played a crucial role in stopping what could have been a devastating nuclear war, saving millions of lives.
“We stopped a nuclear war. It could have been very bad. Millions of people could have died,” Trump told reporters.
Trade as a Diplomatic Tool
In an unusual revelation, Trump said the US used trade incentives as leverage to encourage both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions. He explained:
“I told both India and Pakistan: if you stop fighting, we will do trade with you. If you don’t stop, no trade. No one has used trade like this before. Suddenly, they said, ‘We will stop.’ And they did.”
Trump added that ongoing negotiations aim to expand trade ties with both countries, linking regional peace directly to economic benefits.
US Mediation and Indian Response
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Trump credited Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their key roles in facilitating dialogue between India and Pakistan, helping broker the ceasefire announced on May 10.
However, Indian officials have publicly denied that trade was part of the diplomatic discussions. Sources within the Indian government told The Tribune that trade was never mentioned during crisis talks. India maintains that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision and insists on resolving disputes directly with Pakistan without third-party involvement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address, warned that India would not tolerate “nuclear blackmail” from Pakistan if hostilities resume.
Pakistan Welcomes US Role and Future Talks
Pakistan welcomed US involvement and expressed readiness to engage in future talks focusing on Kashmir, terrorism, and water-sharing issues. Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that Pakistan would never compromise on its water rights.
Analysis and Global Reaction
International analysts view Trump’s claim as part of a broader US strategy to reassert its role as a global peacemaker and to use economic incentives to stabilize volatile regions. The US shifted from earlier neutrality to active mediation after Pakistan’s successful military response, including Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which changed the conflict’s momentum.
While some remain skeptical of Trump’s assertion that a nuclear war was averted, his remarks highlight the high stakes of the India-Pakistan confrontation and the fragile nature of peace in South Asia.