PM Modi Responds to Tariff Pressure Amid Trump’s Claims on India-Pakistan Conflict
At a rally in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed India's stance on international trade pressure, without naming the United States directly. He stated, "The interests of our farmers, livestock keepers, and small-scale industries are paramount. We may face pressure, but we will endure it. Our government is committed to providing a dignified life to the poor."
Modi's Symbolic Reference to Indian Heritage
PM Modi referred to Gujarat as the land of two "Mohan"s — Lord Krishna, the bearer of the Sudarshan Chakra, and Mahatma Gandhi, the wielder of the spinning wheel. He said, "Lord Krishna taught us how to defend our nation and society. His Sudarshan Chakra became a symbol of justice and protection. Today, India’s policies reflect the same spirit."
India's Firm Response Against Terrorism
Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. He referred to a past military operation: "We do not spare terrorists and their handlers, no matter where they are. The world saw how we avenged the Pahalgam attack in just 22 minutes. Operation Sindoor became a symbol of our armed forces' bravery and our nation's resolve."
Trump Claims He Averted India-Pakistan Nuclear War
On August 25, at a White House press conference, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed, “I am not a dictator; I am a very smart person who prevents wars. I stopped a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. The conflict had escalated, seven fighter jets had been downed, and both nations were nearing nuclear engagement. I gave them 24 hours to resolve the issue.”
Trump added, “I put trade pressure on both India and Pakistan. I told them: do you want to trade or go to war? If the conflict continues, there will be no trade agreements. They resolved the issue within 24 hours.”
Trump’s View on Trade and Tariffs as Weapons
Highlighting his diplomatic approach, Trump stated, “Of the seven wars I prevented, four were because I had the tool of tariffs and trade. I told countries that if they chose war, I would impose 100% tariffs on their products. We used tariffs to stop wars—just like other countries have done to us.”
India Rejects Trump's Claims
Despite Trump’s repeated assertions — over 40 times — of preventing the war, India has firmly denied his version. Indian officials clarified that it was Pakistan that appealed for de-escalation. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated, “Trump was spoken to in the same diplomatic manner as other world leaders, which is standard protocol during any major conflict.”