Trump Vows to Strike Big Trade Agreements with India and Pakistan (VIDEO)

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his administration played a key role in resolving the recent military tensions between India and Pakistan, claiming that the breakthrough was achieved “through trade.”

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump remarked on the diplomatic efforts that reportedly helped de-escalate one of the most dangerous flare-ups in South Asia in recent years.

“If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India—we settled that whole situation, and I think I settled it through trade,” Trump said, emphasizing that Washington is pursuing significant trade deals with both nations. He described his conversations with leaders from both countries as instrumental in halting the cross-border conflict.

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“Somebody had to be the last one to shoot,” he said, referring to the escalation that began with the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead.

India responded with precision airstrikes under “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure. This prompted Pakistani forces to retaliate with attempted strikes on Indian military installations between May 8 and 10.

According to Trump, direct communication with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani leadership was central to brokering peace. “I called them both. It’s something good,” he added, calling Modi a “great guy” and a “friend.” South African President Ramaphosa echoed the sentiment, calling Modi a mutual friend.

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After several days of intense military exchanges—including drone and missile strikes—both sides reached an understanding on May 10 for a “full and immediate” ceasefire, a development Trump hailed as a result of late-night negotiations mediated by the United States.

While the full scope of U.S. involvement remains unclear, President Trump’s remarks underscore Washington’s ongoing strategic interests in South Asia and its broader push to strengthen economic and political ties with both India and Pakistan.

The administration continues to emphasize the power of economic diplomacy in resolving global conflicts, with Trump’s latest statements reinforcing that narrative: “We’re doing big deals with both countries, and trade is a powerful tool for peace.”