Trump Claims He Prevented India–Pakistan War With Tariff Threat
- By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Washington
- Nov 20, 2025
- 564
US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he personally halted a possible war between India and Pakistan by threatening to impose a massive 350% tariff on both nations. Speaking at the US–Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday, Trump said the first phone call he received after the intervention was from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who thanked him for “saving millions of lives.”
Trump reiterated that he has taken credit more than 60 times for de-escalating India–Pakistan tensions in May, a statement India has repeatedly dismissed. According to New Delhi, no third country was involved, and the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral negotiations.
Earlier, Trump had also made a similar claim at the APEC CEO Summit in South Korea on October 29, where he stated that both countries initially refused to stop fighting. Trump said he then threatened a 250% tariff, after which both sides agreed to cease hostilities within 48 hours.
Trump further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi later called him and reportedly said, “We’re not going to war.”
Background: Operation Sindoor
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting militant hideouts inside Pakistan. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, though New Delhi has consistently maintained that the agreement came from direct dialogue, not foreign intervention.
Five Recent Instances Where Trump Targeted India
1. Deportation of Indian Immigrants
In February 2025, the US deported several illegal Indian immigrants, some of whom were shown in public videos being handcuffed. Similar deportations from other countries reportedly did not include such footage.
2. Unilateral Claim on India–Pakistan Ceasefire
Trump has repeatedly stated—at least 25 times—that the ceasefire was achieved because of his involvement, despite India's denial of any third-party mediation.
3. Meeting With Pakistan’s Military Leadership
Trump became the first US President to publicly meet Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House. India strongly responded that it would not accept any foreign mediation on bilateral issues.
4. Historic Tariffs on India
In August 2025, the US imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India, later increasing it to 50% over India’s purchase of Russian oil. No previous US administration has ever imposed such high trade penalties on India.
5. Tougher Visa & Immigration Rules
Beginning September 2025, the US tightened rules on H-1B and other employment visas, significantly affecting Indian tech workers and companies operating in the US market.
Trump Now Says Tariffs Will Soon Be Reduced
Despite previous tough measures, Trump on November 10 said the US and India are close to finalizing a new trade agreement and that tariffs will be reduced gradually.
On India lowering its oil purchases from Russia, Trump said:
“Yes, we will reduce the tariffs.”
“I Have A Wonderful Relationship With Modi,” Says Trump
Trump praised India, calling it one of the world’s oldest civilizations and the fastest-growing region. He said the US considers India a major strategic and economic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
He added that the new US ambassador would work to deepen bilateral ties, boost American investments, expand energy exports, and strengthen joint security cooperation.
50% Tariffs Remain Linked to Russia Sanctions
Currently, India faces a combined 50% duty—25% reciprocal and another 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. Trump has repeatedly argued that Russian oil revenue is helping to finance the Ukraine conflict, making sanctions necessary.