Trump Reaffirms Pakistan’s Importance to India

• Donald Trump stated both nations were “angry.”
• He mentioned that nuclear war is the “worst case scenario.”
• “I’m a man of my word,” asserted the US president.

US President Donald Trump is thrilled to have received unprecedented global acclaim for mediating between India and Pakistan, effectively averting what could have been an “imminent nuclear conflict” between the two nations.

After wrapping up a visit to the Middle East, during which he engaged with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to secure $10 trillion worth of deals, President Trump sat down for an interview with a Fox News host.

He passionately discussed the dynamic changes occurring within the Arab world and his conversations with Iran, also reflecting on the potential for lasting peace following the recent discussions between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul.

However, what President Trump repeatedly sought to highlight was his role as a peacemaker in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

On May 6, without providing any proof regarding the incident in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi initiated an unwarranted conflict against Islamabad.

To safeguard its sovereignty, Pakistan had no choice but to respond forcefully, managing to inflict significant damage by downing six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and disabling an S-400 missile defense system.

It marked a historic low for India, which faced unprecedented humiliation from Pakistan, previously viewed as the weaker adversary. Concerns grew that the Modi government would take drastic measures to reclaim its lost reputation.

‘A Major Victory’

While Modi underestimated the risks to his own country, fueled by right-wing media and extremist Hindutva ideology, the United States, being India’s staunch ally, remained significantly engaged. President Trump promptly instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reach out to senior Indian officials and persuade Pakistan to exercise restraint.

Within hours, both nations established communication lines and mutually agreed on a ceasefire, a positive turn that eased the global community’s growing anxiety about the trajectory of the conflict.

“This is the biggest success I have ever been credited for,” President Trump joyfully remarked during his interview. He emphasized that both India and Pakistan are “not just minor players” but “major nuclear powers,” explaining how he managed to prevent a catastrophic scenario in South Asia amidst escalating hostilities between the two nations.

“Their anger was palpable. The situation was escalating with a back-and-forth exchange of threats and missile deployments. Each side was ramping up their military might to the brink of a nuclear confrontation—a term that carries immense weight and consequence. It was a precarious moment,” Trump conveyed to the interviewer.

He elaborated on the strategies he employed to secure the ceasefire, stating, “Amidst the animosity, I emphasized our mutual benefits through trade. I utilized commerce as a means to foster peace and resolve conflicts.”

Expressing relief over the outcome of his intervention, he stated, “We were staring down the barrel of a potential nuclear conflict, which was very close to happening. Fortunately, everyone is relieved.”

‘Eager to Trade’

Even when the Fox News host attempted to steer the conversation to other subjects, President Trump took a moment to discuss his relations with Pakistan.

“I had a constructive dialogue with Pakistan. It’s essential not to overlook them. It truly takes two to engage in diplomacy. With India, I felt confident, and with Pakistan, I also initiated discussions surrounding trade, as they would welcome it,” he stated.

Trump praised Pakistan and its people in a manner that caught international diplomats off guard, echoing a sentiment Islamabad has long hoped for. Historically, US-Pakistan relations have been centered around anti-terrorism efforts, rather than economic partnerships.

“The Pakistani people are incredibly talented and produce remarkable goods. Yet, our trade relations are minimal. While I maintain a positive rapport with them, I urged my team to reach out and strengthen our trading relationship,” he added.

Although the United States is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $129 billion in 2024, it predominantly benefited India, which maintained a trade surplus of $45.7 billion with the US. Not surprisingly, President Trump pointed fingers at India, accusing it of undermining American businesses.

“India imposes some of the highest tariffs globally, making it nearly impossible to conduct business there,” Trump remarked, reiterating, “They are willing to completely eliminate tariffs for American imports.”

Strengthening Ties

Undeniably, the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the strategic military planning by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir deserve recognition for changing Pakistan’s global image.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, known for his exemplary finance ministerial record, should be applauded for his diplomatic endeavors and guidance provided to Pakistani ambassadors across the US, UN, UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran.

However, experts caution that Pakistan should not become complacent. Regardless of circumstances, India is likely to remain one of America’s preeminent allies.

Nonetheless, Pakistan should seize this opportunity to negotiate a more favorable trade agreement with President Trump, striving to cultivate a relationship founded on economic cooperation rather than merely focusing on anti-terrorism collaborations.