WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has described Pakistanis as “brilliant people”, emphasizing the importance of expanding trade relations between the two nations.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed credit for preventing a near-nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India, citing his administration’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy as the key factor in de-escalating tensions.
Key Statements from Trump:
- Trade as a Peace Strategy: Trump stated that economic engagement played a crucial role in stabilizing relations between Pakistan and India.
- Praise for Pakistan: He acknowledged Pakistan’s potential in global trade, calling its people “brilliant” and its products “incredible”.
- Criticism of India’s Tariffs: Trump labeled India as “the country with the highest tariffs in the world”, but noted that India was willing to reduce tariffs for U.S. trade.
The latest Pakistan-India tensions erupted after an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), leading to military escalations and retaliatory strikes. Trump claimed his intervention helped broker a ceasefire, preventing further escalation.
While Pakistan credited Trump, China, and Gulf states for their role in defusing tensions, India downplayed foreign involvement, insisting that the truce resulted from direct bilateral talks.
Trump reiterated his trade-based diplomacy approach, stating, “Let’s not trade nuclear missiles, let’s trade the things you make so beautifully.”
