Donald Trump has claimed that he intervened to prevent a potential nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan by threatening to impose 350% tariffs on both nations if they did not cease hostilities. Speaking at the US-Saudi Investment Forum on Wednesday, Trump stated that he is adept at settling disputes and has a track record of success in this area. He recounted the situation between India and Pakistan, saying, "India, Pakistan, they were going to go at it, nuclear weapons".

According to Trump, he informed both countries that while they were free to engage in conflict, he would impose a 350% tariff on each, effectively halting all trade with the United States. He impersonated their reactions, stating they protested, "No, no you can't do that". Trump claims he responded by asserting his intention to proceed with the tariffs, stating they could only be removed if they ceased fighting, preventing a nuclear exchange that could kill millions and spread nuclear fallout as far as Los Angeles.

Trump has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan contacted him, acknowledging that Trump's actions "saved millions and millions of lives". Trump also stated that he received a call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly said, "we're not going to go to war".

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated earlier this year following a deadly terror attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir, which was blamed on Islamabad, though Pakistan denied these accusations. The two countries engaged in a series of retaliatory actions, which culminated in Trump declaring a ceasefire in May.

Trump has repeatedly referenced his role in de-escalating the conflict between the two countries. He has claimed credit for ending multiple conflicts by using the threat of tariffs. He said that no other president would have taken such action, implying that President Joe Biden would lack the awareness to even understand the countries involved.

India, however, has consistently denied any third-party intervention in the ceasefire, maintaining that the resolution was achieved bilaterally. Despite these denials, Trump has reiterated his version of events on numerous occasions. He has stated that he was prepared to instruct Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to implement the 350% tariff to resolve the conflict and suggested that a favorable trade deal could follow if hostilities ceased.