Trump says tariffs to force ceasefire, India disputes mediation claim

Speaking at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Gyeongju, South Korea on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he had threatened India and Pakistan with 250 percent tariffs in May to help force a ceasefire in a brief military clash, and recounted calls to both capitals in which he said he warned that trade deals would be off while fighting continued. Trump also imitated the voice of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described him as "the nicest-looking guy" who is "tough as hell" and "a killer," remarks that Indian officials have said were unwelcome.

Trump told business leaders that he phoned New Delhi and Islamabad, told both leaders the United States would not make trade deals while they were fighting, and threatened punitive tariffs he said would make commerce impossible. He said the calls and the threat of tariffs produced a rapid de-escalation, adding that within 48 hours "we had no war, no casualties." He framed the intervention as part of broader U.S. trade negotiations with India and said he was pursuing a trade deal with New Delhi.

Indian officials have repeatedly rejected the claim that Washington mediated the May truce or linked U.S. trade...