WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged that Pakistan cannot be ignored, underscoring the country’s strategic significance and its role in maintaining regional stability, especially in relation to India.
In an interview with an American news outlet, Trump revealed that during his presidency, Pakistan and India came dangerously close to a nuclear confrontation.
“The situation had escalated to the point where a nuclear war could have broken out,” he said, adding that the conflict involved missile attacks and rising military tensions. “Missiles were being launched with maximum force. It was intensifying rapidly,” Trump noted.
He emphasized the global stakes involved, stating, “These are not minor powers. These are major nuclear nations.”
Diplomatic Engagement with Pakistan
Trump highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement with Islamabad. “We had excellent talks with Pakistan. They want to trade with us, and we had ongoing communication,” he said, adding that Pakistan expressed a strong interest in expanding trade ties with the United States.
While acknowledging that trade volumes between the two countries remained limited, he described bilateral relations as positive and constructive.
He also praised the Pakistani people, stating, “They are intelligent people. They make amazing things.”
Diplomatic Push to Ease Tensions
Trump recalled instructing his team to maintain open channels with both South Asian nations:
“I told my people to reach out to Pakistan and India. We encouraged both sides to focus on commerce instead of conflict.”
He confirmed that initial trade negotiations with Pakistan were launched during his administration as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties.
Broader Foreign Policy Comments
In the same interview, Trump claimed that Iran was eager to reach a deal with the U.S. during his presidency, and issued a warning to Russia regarding its ongoing war in Ukraine.
“If a settlement isn’t reached in Ukraine, we will impose devastating sanctions on Russia,” he said, downplaying any strategic leverage held by Ukrainian leadership. “The Ukrainian president has no ‘Trump card’,” he quipped.
Reflecting on his foreign policy record, Trump concluded, “This is one of the greatest diplomatic successes. It deserves recognition.”
