National Security & Tariffs: Trump’s Role in India-Pakistan Crisis

In recent statements, President Donald Trump has claimed significant personal involvement in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, attributing the peaceful resolution to his administration’s trade and tariff policies. While addressing Republican senators, Trump detailed how he warned both nuclear-armed nations against further conflict, stating, “You go to war and we are not doing a trade deal.” He presented this intervention as stopping a “potential nuclear disaster.” Trump repeatedly emphasized his belief that “tariffs equal national security” and have been a key factor in rebuilding American wealth and defense capabilities. His remarks refer to the May escalation following an attack that prompted Indian military action. Despite Trump’s narrative, India has consistently affirmed that all matters concerning Pakistan, including the region of Jammu and Kashmir, are strictly bilateral issues and do not involve third-party mediation. Trump, however, continues to advocate for his tariff-centric approach as a cornerstone of both economic prosperity and global security.