RIYADH: In his signature offbeat style, former U.S. President Donald Trump offered an unusual solution to reduce tensions between Pakistan and India—suggesting the two longtime rivals “have dinner together.”
Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum 2025, Trump praised his diplomatic team, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for their efforts in easing strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Referring to the success, Trump remarked, “Maybe we could even get them together a little bit, Marco, where they go out and have a nice dinner together. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
The remarks followed Trump’s earlier announcement on May 13, in which he claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Addressing media at the White House, Trump declared that his administration had helped stop a potentially catastrophic “nuclear conflict.”
“The situation was escalating rapidly with no end in sight,” he said. “I’m proud to say both India and Pakistan’s leadership showed wisdom in stepping back from the brink.”
Trump noted that trade was a major factor in the ceasefire agreement. “I told them, ‘If you stop the conflict, trade will thrive. If not, we won’t do business.’ That approach worked. Now we’re exploring trade deals with both nations.”
Trump’s comments, though unconventional, reflect his administration’s renewed focus on diplomacy and economic leverage in South Asia to prevent conflict and promote cooperation.
