Trump Again Claims He "Settled" India-Pakistan Conflict Through Trade
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated his assertion that he resolved a recent conflict between India and Pakistan, attributing the settlement to trade dynamics. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump stated, "If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India. We settled that whole, and I think I settled it through trade." This remark repeats a previous claim by the US President regarding his role in de-escalating tensions between the two South Asian nations.
Unpacked:
The conflict was triggered by a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, where gunmen killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, while Pakistan denied involvement, leading to escalating military and diplomatic tensions.
Yes, the United States played a mediating role in the ceasefire agreed on May 10, 2025, alongside backchannel diplomacy from the United Arab Emirates and Russia. This mediation aimed to prevent further escalation into a full-scale regional conflict.
India launched missile strikes inside Pakistan on May 6-7, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian aircraft and reported civilian casualties. Both sides engaged in diplomatic expulsions and military mobilization, with the situation intensifying rapidly.
There is no clear evidence that trade dynamics were central to resolving the conflict. The ceasefire resulted mainly from international mediation and diplomatic efforts, particularly by the US, UAE, and Russia. President Trump's assertion appears to overstate the role of trade in the settlement.