Trump Claims Credit for Ending India-Pakistan Conflict, Increases Jets Shot Down

Former U.S. President says he threatened 200% tariffs to force ceasefire, despite India's rejection of third-party mediation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that he played a key role in resolving the 2024 conflict between India and Pakistan, stating that he threatened to impose a 200% tariff on both countries if they did not cease hostilities. Trump also increased the number of jets he claims were shot down during the conflict from 8 to 11. However, India has consistently rejected Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through military channels without third-party involvement.

Why it matters

Trump's continued assertions about his role in the India-Pakistan conflict raise questions about the accuracy of his statements and the extent of U.S. involvement, if any, in the regional tensions. The dispute also highlights the ongoing disagreements between the U.S. and India over the appropriate approach to resolving issues with Pakistan, with India maintaining its long-standing position that such matters should be handled bilaterally.

The details

According to Trump, he called the leaders of India and Pakistan and threatened to impose a 200% tariff on both countries if they did not resolve their conflict. Trump claims this threat led the two countries to agree to a ceasefire, despite India's rejection of any third-party mediation. Trump also increased his previous claim of 8 jets being shot down to 11, stating the aircraft were "very expensive."

  • In April 2024, a terror attack in Pahalgam prompted India to launch strikes on terrorist targets in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.
  • Trump says he intervened and called the leaders of India and Pakistan to resolve the conflict.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who claims to have played a key role in resolving the 2024 India-Pakistan conflict.

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India, whom Trump says he contacted to help end the conflict.

Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister of Pakistan, who praised Trump as a "man of peace" and "saviour of the people of South Asia" for his alleged mediation efforts.

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What they’re saying

“He (Pakistani PM) said in front of our Chief of Staff that President Trump saved 25 million lives when he stopped the war between us and India...That war was raging. Planes were being shot down. And I got on the phone with both of them, and I knew them a little bit. I knew Prime Minister Modi very well...I called them, and I said, listen, I'm not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don't settle this up.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President (statenews.net)

“Your timely and very effective intervention to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan potentially averted the loss of millions of people's lives. You have truly proved to be a man of peace and let me say you are turly saviour of the people of South Asia.”

— Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan (statenews.net)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.