Former US President Donald Trump has made startling revelations about his conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding India-Pakistan tensions, claiming the Indian leader assured him that New Delhi had no intentions of going to war with its western neighbor.
The Diplomatic Assurance
In a recent statement that has drawn international attention, Trump disclosed that PM Modi personally told him India was not planning to engage in military conflict with Pakistan. This assurance came during discussions between the two leaders about the volatile situation in South Asia.
The revelation, made public on November 20, 2025, sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes diplomacy that characterized Trump's approach to handling the long-standing India-Pakistan rivalry. The former president emphasized that Modi's commitment to avoiding war was clear and unambiguous.
Trump's Unconventional Threat
What makes this disclosure particularly remarkable is Trump's admission of how he proposed to handle the situation. The businessman-turned-politeter revealed that he delivered an ultimatum to both nations, warning that he would impose staggering 350% tariffs on Indian and Pakistani goods if they continued their conflicts.
"I conveyed to New Delhi and Islamabad that they could keep fighting against each other, but I would put a 350% tariff on both nations," Trump stated, highlighting his unique approach to international diplomacy. He believed this economic pressure would make it "difficult for both countries to continue trade with the United States," effectively forcing them to reconsider any military ambitions.
Economic Leverage in Foreign Policy
Trump's comments underscore his consistent belief in using economic measures as tools of foreign policy. The threatened 350% tariff would have been one of the highest ever imposed by the United States on trading partners, potentially devastating for both Indian and Pakistani exports.
This approach reflects Trump's long-standing philosophy that economic leverage can be more effective than traditional diplomacy in resolving international disputes. The revelation also highlights the complex dynamics of the India-US relationship during Trump's presidency, where trade and security concerns often intersected.
The timing of these disclosures comes as Trump remains an influential figure in American politics, potentially setting the stage for his future foreign policy approach should he return to power. The comments have already sparked discussions among foreign policy experts about the effectiveness of such blunt economic threats in managing delicate international relationships.
