‘Tariffs Did That’: Trump Repeats Claim That India, Pakistan ‘Made Peace’ After Trade Threats

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has again credited his aggressive trade policies—particularly tariffs—for reducing tensions between India and Pakistan. At a recent rally, he insisted his tough negotiations pushed the nuclear rivals toward peace.

Trump’s Controversial Claim

Speaking at a campaign event, Trump doubled down on his narrative: “Tariffs did that. They were going to go to war, and after I said we’re going to charge them a lot of money—they made peace.” His remarks mirror a 2020 statement where he tied trade pressure to de-escalation.

Though Trump didn’t specify a timeline, experts believe he referenced the aftermath of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status—a move that heightened tensions with Pakistan.

Did Tariffs Really Force Peace? Analysts Disagree

While Trump frames trade threats as a decisive factor, historical evidence suggests otherwise:

• 2021 Ceasefire Agreement: The most significant reduction in hostilities came in February 2021, attributed to backchannel talks facilitated by the UAE—not U.S. tariffs.
• Limited Trade Impact: Trump’s 2018 tariffs on Indian steel prompted retaliatory duties, but the 2020 U.S.-India trade deal was modest. Pakistan had minimal trade ties with the U.S. during Trump’s term.
• Diplomatic Independence: Both nations resist external pressure on bilateral issues. Past de-escalation (e.g., 1999 Kargil War) involved mediation, not economic coercion.

How India and Pakistan Responded

• India’s Stance: Officials emphasize Kashmir as an internal matter, with any Pakistan dialogue being bilateral. Former diplomats downplay Trump’s influence.
• Pakistan’s View: Islamabad denies trade pressure altered its policies and has criticized Trump for oversimplifying Kashmir tensions.

The Bigger Picture: Trade as a Diplomatic Weapon?

Trump’s remarks resurface as he campaigns for 2024, vowing to revive hardline trade policies. Key takeaways:

• Effectiveness Debate: Can tariffs force peace? Experts argue lasting resolutions require dialogue, not just economic pressure.
• Shifting Alliances: Under Biden, U.S.-India ties strengthened against China, while Pakistan deepened Beijing ties—a factor Trump’s narrative ignores.

Conclusion

Trump’s claim makes a bold headline, but reality is more complex. India-Pakistan peace efforts have historically relied on diplomacy, not unilateral trade threats. As the 2024 election unfolds, expect more scrutiny of how economic policies intersect with global conflict resolution.