Cairo, October 14: U.S. President Donald Trump once again commented on South Asian relations, expressing his hope that Pakistan and India could one day coexist as “the best of neighbors.” His remarks came during a high-profile press conference in Egypt following the signing of a Gaza ceasefire agreement by key mediating nations.
Addressing the international media at the summit, Trump said, “It is my sincere wish that Pakistan and India move forward as great neighbors — peaceful, cooperative, and prosperous.” His statement was made shortly after the formal ceremony, which brought together world leaders and diplomats to endorse the ceasefire deal aimed at ending weeks of bloodshed in Gaza.
The moment took an interesting turn when Trump, while referring to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, called him “a great leader.” The remark prompted smiles in the room, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded with a lighthearted yet pointed comment: “We had shot down seven of their aircraft.” The exchange quickly drew laughter from the audience, reflecting the long-standing rivalry — and cautious humor — that often accompanies discussions of Pakistan-India relations.
Trump also made special mention of Pakistan’s military leadership, referring to Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir as his “favorite field marshal.” The comment, though informal, was widely interpreted as a signal of Trump’s admiration for Pakistan’s role in maintaining regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
Earlier in the day, during an informal conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One, President Trump had claimed that he once helped prevent a potential conflict between Pakistan and India “through trade tariffs.” “We stopped that war with tariffs — people don’t know that story,” he said, reiterating his long-standing claim of having played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
This is not the first time Trump has taken credit for reducing tensions in South Asia. During his presidency and even afterward, he has frequently stated that his diplomatic and economic interventions, particularly his use of trade leverage, contributed to preventing a possible military escalation between Islamabad and New Delhi.
Trump’s latest remarks at the Cairo summit appeared to strike a softer, more reconciliatory tone, focusing on regional peace and the importance of dialogue. “Both countries have tremendous potential — incredible people, great talent,” he said. “If they can move beyond conflict and work together, the entire region would benefit.”
Analysts believe Trump’s statements are part of his broader attempt to project himself as a global peacemaker, especially as he positions for the upcoming U.S. presidential race. However, some foreign policy experts in Washington noted that his claim about “stopping war through tariffs” remains unsubstantiated and largely rhetorical.
In Pakistan, the comments have been received with a mix of amusement and cautious optimism. Political observers in Islamabad said Trump’s remarks about “best neighbors” might not carry immediate policy implications but do reflect continued U.S. interest in stability between South Asia’s two nuclear powers.
Meanwhile, in India, early reactions in the media were more skeptical, with commentators pointing out that Trump has often made unpredictable and hyperbolic statements about South Asian affairs.
Still, the symbolism of Trump’s statement — delivered at a peace summit — has resonated internationally. His acknowledgment of both Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, along with his call for regional harmony, has once again thrust South Asian relations into the global diplomatic spotlight.
For now, the hope of Pakistan and India becoming “best neighbors” remains aspirational — but Trump’s words, amplified by his trademark flair for the dramatic, have reignited discussion about whether long-term peace between the two nations could ever truly be achieved.
