Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy with claims that he personally prevented a war between India and Pakistan by threatening to impose a 200% tariff on one of the countries involved. Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, Trump said that during his presidency, “seven planes were shot down” and war seemed imminent, but his warning “stopped it cold.”
“I told them very simply — if you go to war, I’ll hit you with 200% tariffs,” Trump told the crowd. “And they stopped. That’s how you keep the world safe. They respected me.”
While Trump did not specify the year or exact context, analysts believe he was referring to the 2019 tensions following the Pulwama attack and subsequent airstrikes. His claims have not been independently verified, and neither Washington nor New Delhi or Islamabad has officially commented on the statement.
Experts note that Trump has previously made similar assertions, often framing himself as a decisive actor on the global stage. However, diplomats who were in office at the time have said the situation was defused through multiple diplomatic channels, including the involvement of third countries.
Strategic analysts in South Asia say Trump’s remarks underscore how the U.S. sees its leverage in the region as economic as well as military. “Even if the claim is exaggerated, it reflects Washington’s ability to use trade and economic pressure as a diplomatic tool,” said defense analyst Ayesha Jalal.
For Pakistan, the statement comes at a delicate time, as relations with both the U.S. and India remain sensitive. Any suggestion of foreign intervention in a potential conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors is bound to generate political debate.
Indian analysts dismissed the comments as “campaign theatrics,” while Pakistani observers urged a cautious response. “We should avoid amplifying Trump’s rhetoric,” said one former foreign secretary. “But it does highlight the fragility of regional peace.”
As the U.S. presidential campaign heats up, Trump’s remarks are likely to fuel further debate on his foreign policy legacy — particularly his handling of flashpoints like Kashmir and Afghanistan.
