Trump claims credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire via tariff threats
3 Min Read
US President Donald Trump claims he threatened 250% tariffs on India and Pakistan to end their conflict, describing Modi as a “killer” during APEC remarks in Gyeongju, South Korea.
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US President Donald Trump toasts with state leaders during a dinner event hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
US President Donald Trump said he threatened both India and Pakistan with 250% tariffs to end their brief armed conflict earlier this year, crediting himself with brokering the ceasefire while describing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “killer” and “tough as hell.”
Speaking to corporate leaders during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, Trump recounted his role in the crisis, claiming his intervention, including phone calls to both sides and the threat of crushing trade penalties, helped stop the fighting.
Trump said he called Modi and told him, "We can’t make a trade deal with you. You’re starting a war with Pakistan. We’re not going to do it." Trump further claimed that both India and Pakistan told Trump to allow them to fight. In response, Trump said he warned both nations that he would impose 250% tariffs, a move he said would effectively “end business.”
Describing Modi, Trump said, “He’s the nicest-looking guy... but he’s a killer.” He added that Modi told him directly, “No, we will fight!” prompting Trump to ask, “Is that the same man that I know?”
The remarks come as Modi campaigns ahead of a major state election, with Indian officials reportedly concerned that Trump’s public comments could provide political ammunition to the opposition.
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Trump has repeatedly taken credit for ending the four-day conflict, frustrating officials in India, who have publicly denied that Washington played a mediating role.
In fact, Modi skipped a regional summit in Malaysia, reportedly due to concerns that Trump would again claim involvement in the ceasefire. India’s Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately comment on the latest remarks.
Ceasefire efforts and behind-the-scenes diplomacy
Back in May, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in contact with both Indian and Pakistani counterparts to de-escalate tensions. Senior military leaders from both sides held extended talks and ultimately agreed to a ceasefire.
Trump announced the truce on his Truth Social platform before either country officially confirmed it, reportedly angering New Delhi and adding to diplomatic tensions.
While Trump has often touted a close relationship with Modi, ties have soured in recent months. India has been unable to persuade Washington to roll back a 50% tariff on its exports, which the US imposed in part due to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia.
Trump has claimed that India agreed to reduce those oil imports, though no formal tariff rollback has been announced.
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