We are doing big deals with India, Pakistan: US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump once again claimed on Wednesday that he had helped prevent a war between India and Pakistan, adding that the United States is currently doing “big deals” with both countries.

Speaking at a press conference alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump said, “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India — we settled that whole thing, and I think I settled it through trade. We’re doing a big deal with India. We’re doing a big deal with Pakistan.”

Commenting on recent clashes between India and Pakistan, Trump added, “Somebody had to be the last one to shoot. The shooting was getting worse and worse, deeper into the countries. We spoke to them, and I think we got it settled. Then two days later, something happens, and they say it’s Trump’s fault.”



Trump went on to praise both countries, saying, “Pakistan has got some excellent people, a really great leader. And India — my friend Modi — he’s a great guy. I call them both. We just did something big.”

However, India has previously rejected Trump's claims. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had firmly denied any suggestion that trade discussions were linked to the de-escalation of tensions with Pakistan. “The issue of trade did not come up in any discussions with Washington during the conflict,” the MEA said in an earlier statement.

While the Indian and US leadership were in contact during the crisis, the MEA clarified that there was no discussion of trade concessions or mediation.

Following Trump’s remarks, the US administration appeared to recalibrate its stance. Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said on Friday, “What we are happy to see is a ceasefire. We want to encourage direct talks between the parties. Taking a step back, the President is a peacemaker, and we celebrate the advancement of peace. We hope the ceasefire will be maintained.”