Lahore – May 13 – US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh diplomatic tension with his claim that he prevented a potential “nuclear war” between India and Pakistan by threatening trade sanctions. The controversial statement, made during a campaign event, has been firmly rejected by New Delhi, which called the remarks “completely baseless and disconnected from facts.”
Trump stated that during his presidency, he used economic leverage to force both countries to step back from a dangerous standoff, suggesting that nuclear conflict was imminent. “They were ready to go at it—big time,” he said. “I told them, ‘If you don’t stop, there will be serious trade consequences.’ And it stopped.”
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Indian officials responded swiftly, rejecting Trump’s narrative and emphasizing that India’s national security decisions are based on sovereign considerations, not foreign pressure. “These claims are not only factually incorrect but also undermine the seriousness of the regional dynamics,” said an official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs official.
Modi Issues Stern Warning to Pakistan
As tensions remain high, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that any future terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan would be met with stronger retaliation. “Our patience should not be misunderstood. If there is another terrorist strike on our soil, we will respond decisively — and at a time and place of our choosing,” Modi said during a security summit in New Delhi.
The warning comes amid ongoing concerns over cross-border terrorism and follows a period of relative calm after the last major military exchange between the two nations.
Military Dialogue Delayed
Meanwhile, efforts to reduce tensions through military channels hit a snag. The Indian Army announced that scheduled talks with Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) had been delayed, citing logistical issues. Though both sides have maintained backchannel communications, formal military talks remain a critical tool for de-escalation.
Analysts say the region remains vulnerable to flare-ups, especially amid election rhetoric, historical mistrust, and an absence of sustained diplomatic engagement.
