By: A Waseem Khattak
If Donald Trump continues to speak about Narendra Modi, India, and the Rafale aircraft in the same manner, it could seriously inflame tensions in South Asia. The region is already standing on a fragile balance where even a single statement can trigger a major reaction. Over the past few months, Trump has repeatedly brought up India’s military performance, the Rafale jet crashes, and Modi’s policies in his public speeches. While many in Pakistan see his remarks as an acknowledgment of reality, in India, they are perceived as an attack on national pride — a contrast that could easily spiral into a larger crisis.
In international relations, words can be as powerful as weapons. When Trump says things like “Seven brand-new, beautiful Indian jets were shot down” or mocks Modi’s defense strategy, he doesn’t just express an opinion — he ignites a psychological war that stirs public emotions on both sides. In India, such comments put Modi under domestic political pressure, often leading to more aggressive military posturing. In response, Pakistan naturally strengthens its defensive stance, and the mutual distrust deepens even further.
Trump has always been known for his unconventional and unscripted style. He speaks directly, often without regard for diplomatic nuance or political balance. But when the subject involves two nuclear-armed nations like India and Pakistan, every word carries immense weight. In recent statements, Trump praised Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him “a great fighter” and “my favorite field marshal,” while sarcastically commenting that India spent billions on jets “but couldn’t save seven of them.” Such remarks infuriated Indian political circles and were portrayed in Indian media as an insult to national dignity.
If this narrative continues, a new wave of mistrust could rise in the region. India might expand its defense budget, Pakistan could reconsider the American role in its military cooperation, and both countries might get trapped in a war of words that feeds hostility. This situation is even more dangerous given that global powers are preoccupied with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, leaving South Asia vulnerable to escalation. If world leaders — especially influential figures like Trump do not exercise restraint, history could once again prove that wars don’t always begin with weapons, but with words.
