‘Your Head’s Going to Spin’: Trump Claims Tariffs Helped Stop India-Pakistan Clash

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday again claimed personal credit for defusing tensions between India and Pakistan in May, saying he pressured both sides with threats of crippling tariffs to prevent a “nuclear war.”

Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump said he had spoken directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani leaders, warning that unless hostilities stopped, the US would impose trade penalties “so high your head’s going to spin.” He also repeated his earlier assertion that “seven or more jets” were shot down during the escalation, despite lower figures being previously reported.

Trump’s comments came a day after the White House credited his diplomacy with helping secure a ceasefire following India’s May 7 Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India, however, has consistently denied any third-party mediation, stressing that a ceasefire was reached through direct talks between the two militaries.

Meanwhile, US tariffs on Indian goods are set to double to 50% from Wednesday, the steepest in Asia, as Trump penalizes New Delhi for buying Russian oil. The White House has ruled out any reprieve, even as India and the US engage in trade talks.

Prime Minister Modi, speaking in Ahmedabad on Monday, vowed not to compromise on the interests of farmers, small industries and cattle rearers. He urged citizens to embrace “swadeshi” products, saying: “Pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it all.”