U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his controversial tale of brokering peace between India and Pakistan, this time embellishing it with talk of massive tariffs and a dozen downed jets. Speaking at a Board of Peace event in Washington on Thursday, Trump asserted his economic threats were the real game-changer in last years near-war.

Trump recounted dialing up leaders in both nations during the May 2025 standoff—sparked by Indias strikes on terror camps after the Pahalgam attack. I told them, if you keep fighting, youre getting 200% tariffs on everything you send here, he said, crediting the move with forcing a swift ceasefire. He even claimed Pakistans PM thanked him personally for saving 25 million lives from a potential nuclear nightmare. Indias Operation Sindoor targeted sites in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, escalating fears of all-out conflict. Trump insists his trade ultimatum, not bilateral talks, sealed the truce—echoing his peace through strength approach from past global dust-ups.

Adding flair to prior versions of the story, Trump now says 11 jets were shot down before he intervened, upping the ante from his earlier counts of seven aircraft. Neither India nor Pakistan has verified such losses; official reports note limited air engagements but no massive shootouts. The claim smells like classic Trump hyperbole to drive home the drama.

New Delhi has consistently dismissed U.S. involvement, stressing the ceasefire came via direct military channels. This marks the 80th-plus time Trump has touted his role since the de-escalation, but it hasnt soured booming U.S.-India trade, which soared to new highs in 2025. As Trump eyes wider tariff strategies this year, his India-Pak yarn underscores how he wields economics as foreign policy. Will it fly elsewhere? Time will tell.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.