Former US President Donald Trump has once again stirred diplomatic buzz by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterating his claim of mediating peace between India and Pakistan earlier this year.
Speaking at a luncheon for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business leaders in South Korea, Trump recounted how he allegedly helped end a military standoff between the two nuclear powers through “trade pressure.”
“Two nuclear nations were fighting with each other. They said, ‘No, no, no, you should let us fight.’ They are strong people,” Trump said, before adding with a grin, “Prime Minister Modi is the nicest looking guy. He is a killer. He is tough as hell. But after a little while, they called up and said we would end fighting.”
Trump’s Claim of Trade Diplomacy
Trump further asserted that his intervention came by withholding trade negotiations until both nations agreed to de-escalate.
“I called Prime Minister Modi and said we can’t make a trade deal with you as you are fighting with Pakistan. Then I called Pakistan and said the same thing,” he said.
He also hinted that a new trade deal with India could soon materialize, describing his relationship with both New Delhi and Islamabad as “great.”
“I am doing a trade deal with India and I have love and great respect for Prime Minister Modi. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a great guy and his Field Marshal is a great fighter,” Trump remarked.
India’s Response and Past Context
This is not the first time Trump has claimed credit for de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Earlier this year, following limited military confrontations along the Line of Control, Trump suggested that US diplomatic pressure led to a ceasefire — a claim New Delhi has firmly denied, stating that any ceasefire or dialogue occurred bilaterally without third-party mediation.
Trump’s comments have once again sparked debate among political observers, especially as Washington’s ties with both South Asian nations evolve amid regional power shifts.
While Trump’s remarks appear partly jocular, they underline his continued interest in portraying himself as a global dealmaker — a role he often highlighted during his presidency.
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