Trump warns India, Pakistan over military escalation, says it may derail US trade talks
PTC Web Desk: Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that any ongoing military conflict between the two nations could impact potential trade agreements with the United States.
Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, Donald Trump revealed that Pakistani officials are scheduled to visit Washington next week to discuss a possible deal on tariffs. Simultaneously, he indicated that the US is "very close to making a deal with India" but clarified that he would not pursue any trade arrangements if the two South Asian neighbours were engaged in military conflict.
“Pakistan representatives are coming in next week. We're very close to making a deal with India. And I wouldn't have any interest in making a deal with either if they were going to be at war with each other,” Trump said.
The remarks come at a time when India and Pakistan remain on edge following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which led to India’s Operation Sindoor — a military response that has escalated tensions along the Line of Control. The two nuclear-armed countries have since engaged in missile launches, drone attacks, and cross-border shelling, marking the worst escalation in decades.
Pakistan is reportedly aiming to secure a trade deal to avoid newly imposed US tariffs, which could go as high as 29% on Pakistani exports. According to Reuters, the new duties stem from Pakistan’s $3 billion trade surplus with the United States. Islamabad’s leadership is pushing to retain preferential trade access and is hoping to negotiate relief during the upcoming visit.
India-US trade talks gain momentum
On the other hand, India and the US are in advanced talks to finalise a limited trade agreement, possibly by early July. India currently faces up to 26% tariffs on various exports to the American market.
During his recent visit to the United States, Union Trade Minister Piyush Goyal met US officials to advance trade discussions. According to sources, India may soon open up over $50 billion in government contracts for competition by American firms, mostly in infrastructure and public procurement, as a key element of the deal.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau highlighted the strength of India-US ties, calling them a “historic zenith” after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Washington earlier this week.
“Had a great lunch with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. We discussed fair and reciprocal trade, fighting illegal immigration, and expanding counternarcotics cooperation,” Landau posted on X.
Misri’s visit to the US, from May 27 to 29, included high-level meetings aimed at reinforcing the bilateral partnership across defense, trade, and security.
According to the Indian Embassy, the Landau-Misri meeting “covered the full scope of bilateral priorities” and laid the groundwork for strategic and economic cooperation in the coming months.
- With inputs from agencies
