A possible nuclear war between India and Pakistan was stopped by a sharp warning from U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump revealed how his trade threat led both nations to agree to a ceasefire after weeks of rising tension over the Pahalgam attack.
Trump said the U.S. took urgent action to stop what could have turned into a deadly nuclear clash. “If we hadn’t stepped in, millions could have died,” he said. “I’m proud that we stopped that from happening.”
The President explained that he used trade as a tool to calm both sides. “I told them both – India and Pakistan – that we want to trade more with you. But if you don’t stop this, we won’t trade at all,” Trump said. “That got their attention.”
Tensions started rising when India blamed Pakistan for a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan denied any link to the violence, but India launched military action inside Pakistani territory. Pakistan hit back, and the region quickly slipped toward all-out war.
The fighting lasted for four days. It came after more than two weeks of rising anger between the two nuclear neighbors. As the situation grew worse, the U.S. stepped in.
A 48-hour series of talks led to a ceasefire that began on May 10, brokered by the U.S. behind closed doors. Trump said it was one of the toughest moments during his term, but he believes the message was clear and strong.
President Trump stressed how serious the risk was. “We were looking at something that could have been a disaster. Two countries with nuclear weapons, both angry, both ready to act. That’s not a good mix.”
He said trade can be a powerful tool in keeping peace. “When countries are thinking about growing their economy, they don’t want war. That’s the path we chose,” he said.
Trump added that both India and Pakistan agreed that peace was better than conflict – especially when their trade deals with the U.S. were on the line.
The President’s approach shows how global power can be used without military force. By holding off trade, the U.S. made both countries think twice.
Trump also said the U.S. will keep talking to both sides to make sure the peace holds. “We don’t want this to flare up again. We want calm, and we want progress.”
India blamed Pakistan for the April attack in Pahalgam, which killed Indian soldiers. Pakistan denied any role. But tensions grew fast. India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a military strike across the border.
Pakistan answered with its own attacks, and both sides were launching missiles and drones. The world watched closely, afraid of a full war.
That fear ended – at least for now – with a ceasefire pushed by Trump’s trade-based threat.
President Trump’s firm stance and use of trade pressure helped stop a dangerous conflict between India and Pakistan. His message was simple: choose peace and trade, or face isolation. For now, both countries have chosen peace.