WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that he played a decisive role in preventing a major war between India and Pakistan during his presidency, stating that his use of trade pressure and diplomacy helped de-escalate tensions at a critical moment.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on occasion of Diwali celebrations, Trump reflected on past global crises and asserted that his administration helped avert “eight wars,” including what he called “the biggest one” — a potential military conflict between India and Pakistan.

“I told both countries in clear terms if there’s a war, we will stop all trade,” Trump said, describing his intervention during a period of heightened hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors. “Within 24 hours of that message, both nations agreed to a ceasefire,” he added.

According to Trump, the standoff had reached alarming levels, with “seven fighter jets shot down” before tensions were pulled back from the brink. He credited his hardline trade tactics and behind-the-scenes diplomacy for preventing further escalation.

Trump said he had multiple discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on trade and regional security. “I told Prime Minister Modi, war with Pakistan should not happen,” he recounted, adding that his warning applied equally to both nations.

On the broader geopolitical front, Trump also claimed credit for influencing India’s foreign energy policy, asserting, “India will no longer buy oil from Russia.” He further announced plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to finalize what he called a “fair trade deal.”

“I believe in resolving conflicts through economic strength — not endless wars,” Trump said, reiterating his long-standing emphasis on trade as a tool of foreign policy.

While Trump’s claims have yet to be independently verified, his remarks come at a time of renewed interest in U.S. foreign policy and the role of economic leverage in global conflict resolution.