Trump Claims Nobel Peace Prize for Trade-Linked India-Pakistan Ceasefire Amid Disputes

In 2025, US President Donald Trump maintained his controversial economic and diplomatic strategies, including imposing ultra-high "reciprocal" tariffs that defied WTO rules, yet the global trading system remained resilient with world trade increasing by $300 billion in the year's first half. Trump justified these tariffs as a means to improve the US trade balance, but data showed the US trade deficit actually widened, with imports exceeding 2024 levels, partly due to a strong US economy and dollar. Diplomatically, Trump scheduled meetings with Muslim-majority leaders to address the Gaza crisis, seeking military and financial support for Israel's withdrawal and Gaza's reconstruction, despite facing international criticism over his peace proposals. Trump repeatedly claimed credit for resolving multiple international conflicts, especially the India-Pakistan ceasefire, asserting that trade negotiations were key to stopping wars and even suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for these achievements, although India denied any foreign mediation. His claims sparked debate about the role of trade in conflict resolution, with some viewing his approach as effective peace-building, while others saw it as overstated and politically motivated. Overall, Trump's blend of aggressive trade policies and assertive diplomatic initiatives continued to shape US foreign relations and global perceptions in 2025.