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Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trump hints at expanding trade with 'brilliant' Pakistan
Listen to article US President Donald Trump has claimed that his intervention prevented the recent India-Pakistan conflict from spiralling into a nuclear war by leveraging trade diplomacy. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said Pakistan and India were locked in a tit-for-tat cycle of escalating hostilities. He described the episode as a major foreign policy achievement, saying it was "a bigger success than I would be ever given credit for". "Those are major nuclear powers and they were angry. The next phase was probably ... you see where it was getting," he said, adding that the conflict could have turned "nasty" had he not stepped in to secure a ceasefire. Speaking on the potential for a nuclear showdown, Trump said both countries had come dangerously close to war. "And I said we're gonna talk about trade. We're gonna do a lot of trade don't forget Iran wants to trade with us," he noted. The US president said he had a productive conversation with Pakistan and expressed his desire to expand trade relations. He praised Pakistani-made products and said he would be more than happy to boost trade ties, which, in his view, remain underdeveloped. "Ohh they would love to trade they would love to trade, they are brilliant people they make brilliant products," he noted. Earlier, during a visit to a US military base in Qatar as part of his Gulf tour, Trump told American troops that both Pakistan and India were satisfied with the ceasefire. He said hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours had been defused after he encouraged them to shift their focus from war to economic cooperation. The decades-old rivals halted what was described as their worst fighting in nearly thirty years after agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10. The agreement followed a series of diplomatic efforts and mounting pressure from Washington. Pakistan welcomed Trump's mediation and maintained that it was India that approached the US seeking a ceasefire. Reiterating his claims in the Fox News interview, Trump said that his outreach to both India and Pakistan pulled the two countries back from the brink - a move he again described as "a bigger success than I'll ever be given credit for," pointing to the "great hatred" between the two nations. "Tensions got to a point where the next phase was probably 'nuclear'," Trump said. When asked about foreign policy successes prior to his Middle East trip, Trump confirmed, "I did, ya," referring to the phone calls he made to both India and Pakistan. The interviewer acknowledged this as a success. Trump described the conflict as a dangerous escalation: "It was tit for tat. It was getting deeper and more - I mean, more missiles, everyone was 'stronger, stronger' - so to a point where the next one's going to be, you know what? The N word. You know the N word is, right?" The interviewer responded, "nuclear". "It's the N word. That's a very nasty word, right? In a lot of ways. The N word used in a nuclear sense - that's the worst thing that can happen. And I think they were very close. The hatred was great. And I said, 'We're going to talk about trade. We're going to do a lot of trade'," Trump said. "I'm using trade to settle scores and to make peace," he added.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared
World India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile, that is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, are displayed during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 23, 2022. The world's nine nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their nuclear weapons as the countries continue to deepen their reliance on such deterrence in 2023, a Swedish think tank, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said Monday, June 17, 2024. In Asia, India, Pakistan and North Korea are all pursuing the capability to deploy multiple warheads on ballistic missiles, the institute said. Anjum Naveed/AP Photo Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fears of nuclear conflict are mounting as both nations possess nearly 200 nuclear warheads and continue to modernize their arsenals. India, which has long adhered to a No First Use (NFU) policy, has recently signaled possible reconsideration, while Pakistan, which has no such policy, maintains the right to strike first. Why It Matters Concerns about the potential for a nuclear exchange have intensified following a sharp uptick in hostilities. Last month, gunmen killed 26 people-mostly Indian tourists-in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response, India launched airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, claiming they were militant staging grounds. Pakistan said the strikes hit civilian areas and has issued an ultimatum, warning of further action unless Indian operations cease. What To Know India has about 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses roughly 170, according to the Arms Control Association. Despite their similar numbers, the countries diverge in nuclear doctrine. India publicly maintains an NFU doctrine, pledging to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation. However, recent rhetoric from Indian leadership has hinted at revisiting that stance. Pakistan has never adopted a similar policy and reserves the option of preemptive use. Tactical Capabilities India holds the advantage in missile range and strategic deterrence. Its Agni-V ballistic missile can reach up to 8,000 kilometers, enabling strikes deep into enemy territory. Pakistan's longest-range missile under development, the Shaheen III, has a reach of about 2,750 kilometers. Pakistan also deploys tactical nuclear weapons, including the Nasr (Hatf-9), a short-range missile with a 70-kilometer range designed for battlefield use. Military Strength India outpaces Pakistan in active military personnel: 1.24 million in the army, 149,000 in the air force, and 75,500 in the navy. Pakistan has about 560,000 army troops, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in its navy. India also operates a 13,350-strong coast guard. What People Are Saying Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned: "If India backs down, we'll definitely wrap up these are not hostile acts-we are just defending our territory." India's Defense Ministry, in a statement: "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution." U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office: "They have been fighting for many, many decades, and centuries if you really think about it. I just hope it ends very quickly." What Happens Next With both nations refusing to back down, the risk of further escalation remains high. Diplomatic efforts will likely intensify in the coming days, but experts warn that without de-escalation, even a limited conflict could spiral into a devastating nuclear confrontation. Related Articles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC. This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 11:14 AM.
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
India and Pakistan's Nuclear Arsenal Compared
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, fears of nuclear conflict are mounting as both nations possess nearly 200 nuclear warheads and continue to modernize their arsenals. India, which has long adhered to a No First Use (NFU) policy, has recently signaled possible reconsideration, while Pakistan, which has no such policy, maintains the right to strike first. Why It Matters Concerns about the potential for a nuclear exchange have intensified following a sharp uptick in hostilities. Last month, gunmen killed 26 people—mostly Indian tourists—in Indian-controlled Kashmir. In response, India launched airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, claiming they were militant staging grounds. Pakistan said the strikes hit civilian areas and has issued an ultimatum, warning of further action unless Indian operations cease. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads is displayed during a military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads is displayed during a military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2022. Anjum Naveed/AP Photo What To Know India has about 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses roughly 170, according to the Arms Control Association. Despite their similar numbers, the countries diverge in nuclear doctrine. India publicly maintains an NFU doctrine, pledging to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation. However, recent rhetoric from Indian leadership has hinted at revisiting that stance. Pakistan has never adopted a similar policy and reserves the option of preemptive use. Tactical Capabilities India holds the advantage in missile range and strategic deterrence. Its Agni-V ballistic missile can reach up to 8,000 kilometers, enabling strikes deep into enemy territory. Pakistan's longest-range missile under development, the Shaheen III, has a reach of about 2,750 kilometers. Pakistan also deploys tactical nuclear weapons, including the Nasr (Hatf-9), a short-range missile with a 70-kilometer range designed for battlefield use. Military Strength India outpaces Pakistan in active military personnel: 1.24 million in the army, 149,000 in the air force, and 75,500 in the navy. Pakistan has about 560,000 army troops, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 in its navy. India also operates a 13,350-strong coast guard. Soldiers stand guard at a mosque damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. Soldiers stand guard at a mosque damaged by a suspected Indian missile attack near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, on May 7, 2025. M.D. Mughal/AP Photo What People Are Saying Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif warned: "If India backs down, we'll definitely wrap up these are not hostile acts—we are just defending our territory." India's Defense Ministry, in a statement: "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution." U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office: "They have been fighting for many, many decades, and centuries if you really think about it. I just hope it ends very quickly." What Happens Next With both nations refusing to back down, the risk of further escalation remains high. Diplomatic efforts will likely intensify in the coming days, but experts warn that without de-escalation, even a limited conflict could spiral into a devastating nuclear confrontation.
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan vows 'full spectrum' response to Indian aggression
A Pakistani-made Shaheen-III missile that is capable of carrying nuclear warheads is displayed during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day, in Islamabad, on March 23, 2022. Courtesy: Voice of America Listen to article Pakistan will deploy the "full spectrum of power," including nuclear capabilities, in response to any Indian military strike or disruption to critical water resources, its ambassador to Russia has warned. In a stark statement to Russian broadcaster RT on Saturday, Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali claimed Islamabad had intelligence indicating imminent Indian military action. 'There are leaked documents suggesting plans to strike certain areas of Pakistan,' he said, calling the threat 'imminent.' The ambassador's remarks follow heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours after a deadly April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). New Delhi has accused Islamabad of harboring militant groups, pointing to suspected Pakistani nationals linked to the assault in Baisaran Valley, which killed multiple civilians. Pakistan has denied involvement, calling for an international investigation and proposing that nations such as China and Russia participate. 'We expect neutral and credible inquiries into the incident,' Jamali said. The envoy also issued a pointed warning over India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty—a long-standing agreement governing cross-border rivers. 'Any attempt to usurp or divert water would constitute an act of war and would be met with full force,' he said. Despite the tough rhetoric, Jamali stressed the importance of restraint, noting both countries possess nuclear weapons. 'There is all the more need to deescalate the tensions,' he urged. In the wake of the attack, India expelled Pakistani diplomats, suspended visa services, and closed its land border with Pakistan. Islamabad responded in kind. New Delhi has since announced further economic measures to downgrade bilateral ties. As diplomatic hostilities intensify, international observers are urging calm between the regional rivals, amid fears of potential military escalation.
India.com
28-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Who controls nuclear weapons in Pakistan? Prime Minister or Army, whose permission is necessary to use it
Pakistani-made Shaheen-IA missile (AP file Photo) Tensions have flared between India and Pakistan after the henious Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives on the afternoon of April 22, Tuesday. Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations, Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif addressed the situation in an interview with British house The Sky. Post the attack, the Indus Water Treat, Simla Agreement are 'in abeyance' The intensifying dispute between the countries has triggered anxiety and panic amongst citizens of an impending war between the two nuclear nations. Asked if Pakistan fears an escalation as a result of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the Minister said the country is prepared to respond 'in kind'. 'We will measure our response to whatever is initiated by India, according to that. It would be a measured response, if there is an all-out attack or something like that, then obviously there will be an all-out war,' he said in the virtual interview. When asked if the world should be worried, the minister responded, 'Yes, I think so. The clash between two nuclear powers is always worrisome…' Who Controls Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons? Pakistan is one of the nine states that posses nuclear power. It conducted its first nuclear test in May 1998, a few weeks after India successful accomplished under Indian government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. When it comes to who holds the power, permissions and authority of the details of all and any nuclear weapon in the country, it remains a highly classified information for any nation. However, the nuclear weapons are controlled by the National Command Authority (NCA) in Pakistan. This body is chaired by the Prime Minister who is responsible for decision and policy making. The NCA was established in 2000 for maintaining and enhancing control and operational effectiveness of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. The NCA runs along with the directorial from the President, Prime Minister, Interiors, Finance, Defence Minister of Pakistan, commanders of Army, Navy and Air Force among other officials Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Owing to its security strategies, it never declared a 'No First Use' doctrine either. Pakistan on Using Nuclear Weapons Recently, Pakistan Minister Hanif Abbasi openly threatened India for a ' full scale war.' 'If they stop the water supply to us, then they should be ready for a war. The military equipment we have, the missiles we have, they're not for display. Nobody knows where we have placed our nuclear weapons across the country. I say it again, these ballistic missiles, all of them are targeted at you,' he warned. Terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists, in the deadliest attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the Pahalgam terrorist attack case, intensifying its search for evidence and questioning eyewitnesses to unravel the terror conspiracy.
