Trump: Told Modi war with Pakistan 'should not happen'

US President Donald Trump told reporters that he urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid any war with Pakistan, linking diplomacy and trade leverage to efforts to cool tensions. Speaking during Diwali celebrations at the White House, Trump described a phone conversation with Modi as “great,” adding that commerce had been part of the discussion and could help defuse frictions.

Trump again claimed credit for averting several international conflicts, including one between Pakistan and India. He asserted that during a past flare-up, he warned both sides that the United States would halt trade if they went to war, and said the two countries pulled back within 24 hours. The rivals, who have fought multiple wars since independence, remain at odds over the disputed region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Energy also featured in the exchange, Trump said, noting that Modi assured him India would curb purchases of Russian oil. While a White House official has said India has reduced such imports, Indian sources have offered a more cautious account, pointing to orders already placed for upcoming months.

India’s foreign ministry has previously said it was not aware of a phone call on the day Trump referenced, stressing that New Delhi’s priority is to safeguard consumer interests. Commodity data firm estimates suggest India’s import levels could remain high in the near term even as broader trade negotiations with Washington continue.