U.S.-India Trade Deal and Trump's Claims on India-Pakistan Conflict

On February 20, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the parameters of the U.S.-India trade deal, initially announced on February 2, would remain unchanged despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring his 'reciprocal tariffs' unlawful. The Court found that Trump had exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when he announced these tariffs on April 2, 2025. During a press conference, Trump stated, “Nothing changes. They’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs,” emphasizing that the agreed terms would reduce the general tariff rate for Indian goods entering the U.S. from 50% to 18%. He also announced plans to implement a broad 10% “global tariff” using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective within three days.

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In a separate address on February 19, 2026, Trump reiterated his assertion that he had successfully intervened to halt the conflict between India and Pakistan by threatening to impose 200% tariffs on both nations. He claimed that this threat led to a ceasefire, stating, “I said, look, you’re going to fight, that’s fine, but you’re not going to do business with the United States.” Trump has made similar claims multiple times since May 2025, suggesting that his intervention saved millions of lives during the conflict, although India has consistently denied any third-party involvement in the situation.

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Trump characterized his relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “fantastic,” asserting that India had reduced its purchases of Russian oil at the U.S.'s request. He claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that he had facilitated peace talks that prevented a potential nuclear confrontation. However, India maintains that the cessation of hostilities was achieved through direct military communications rather than external mediation.

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Critics have pointed out that Trump's claims regarding his role in the India-Pakistan conflict lack substantiation and that India has historically rejected the notion of third-party mediation. Furthermore, the Supreme Court's ruling against his tariffs raises questions about the legality of his trade policies and their implications for U.S.-India relations.

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While Trump asserts that he played a pivotal role in stopping the conflict between India and Pakistan, Indian officials have consistently denied any external influence in their military decisions. Additionally, the legal basis for the proposed 18% tariff on India remains unclear, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-India trade relations.

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• “Nothing changes. They’ll be paying tariffs, and we will not be paying tariffs,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

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• “I said, look, you’re [ i.e., India and Pakistan] going to fight, that’s fine, but you’re not going to do business with the United States, and you’re going to pay a 200% tariff. Each country,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

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• “India pulled out of Russia. You know, India was getting its oil from Russia, right? And they pull way back at my request, because we want to settle that horrible war where 25,000 people are dying every month,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

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• “Pakistan and India. That was a big one. I think you should actually stand, come please stand just for a second. Pakistan and India. Thank you very much,” — Donald Trump, U.S. President

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This situation continues to evolve as the implications of the Supreme Court ruling and Trump's claims on international relations unfold.

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