ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that war with Pakistan is avoided, emphasizing how trade and diplomacy have helped him avert several possible global conflicts.Trump’s statement came during a Diwali celebration at the White House.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump revealed he had a productive phone conversation with Modi earlier that day, where they discussed topics such as trade, energy, and regional stability.
The president remarked that trade was a focal point of the discussion. While mentioning this, he acknowledged having briefly addressed the subject of avoiding any military confrontation with Pakistan.
Trump elaborated on his strategy of leveraging economic and trade dynamics to prevent hostilities, claiming it had successfully defused eight potential wars around the globe, including tensions between India and Pakistan.
Recalling a past incident during heightened military escalation between the two nations, Trump said that seven aircraft were shot down during their conflict. He conveyed that he intervened by warning both countries that the United States would cease trading with them if they initiated full-scale war. According to Trump, within 24 hours, both sides opted for de-escalation.
He highlighted the significance of averting war between India and Pakistan, calling it a major success of diplomatic intervention.
Trump’s comments referred to the military clash in May between these nuclear-armed nations the most intense in decades which arose following a terrorist attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India alleged Pakistan’s involvement in supporting the assailants responsible for the attack that resulted in 26 fatalities, claims Pakistan categorically denied as baseless provocation. Following the accusations, India launched unprovoked strikes on Pakistani territory over a three-day period. In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, neutralizing six Indian fighter jets including three Rafales and numerous drones.
Hostilities eventually ceased on May 10 after diplomatic discussions mediated by the United States succeeded in securing a ceasefire.
