US President Donald Trump once again praised Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reiterating that he played a key role in preventing a war between India and Pakistan in May.
Trump made the remarks during an event in Florida alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
Referring to Field Marshal Munir as a “highly respected general,” Trump said the Pakistani prime minister had credited him with saving 10 million lives by averting the conflict. The US president also claimed that eight aircraft were destroyed during the India-Pakistan standoff.
"We stopped potential nuclear war between Pakistan and India. The head of Pakistan, the highly respected Field Marshal, and also the PM of Pakistan said Trump said 10 million lives."
- US President Donald Trump pic.twitter.com/gtMH2qld4H— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) December 23, 2025
Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s civil and military leadership following the May clashes with India.
Earlier, in October 2025, Trump lauded Field Marshal Munir as a “good man” and described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a “great leader” while addressing the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
During the speech, Trump said he had received reports of a potential conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan but noted that Pakistan’s leadership resolved the issue swiftly and peacefully.
Calling himself a strong advocate for global peace, Trump said he had helped stop eight wars so far. “I stopped wars through trade,” he stated, emphasizing that the United States prefers economic cooperation over conflict.
“I like stopping wars,” Trump added, reiterating his belief that trade and economic engagement are key to lasting peace.The President also praised the strength of the American Navy, claiming it is unmatched globally and announcing the construction of new warships, including advanced aircraft carriers and submarines.
Speaking about military modernization, Trump said the United States is adding what he described as the world’s most powerful aircraft carrier and building modern naval vessels to reinforce American dominance at sea. He claimed that U.S. submarines are the most advanced in the world and that America is “15 years ahead” of any other country in submarine construction, asserting that China and Russia cannot compete in this area.
He said 15 state-of-the-art submarines are currently in various stages of construction and announced plans to equip the Navy with new technology under what he called a “Golden Fleet.” Trump also claimed a new naval ship would be “100 times more powerful” than any other vessel and mentioned a ship named Victory as key to maintaining U.S. military strength.
Trump linked naval expansion to national security and drug enforcement, saying maritime drug smuggling in the Caribbean has dropped by 96.2 percent due to U.S. operations. He said the Navy is targeting and destroying drug-trafficking boats at sea to prevent narcotics from entering the United States, claiming such actions save thousands of lives. He added that drug abuse led to 300,000 deaths in the U.S. last year.
The president also said naval headquarters are being upgraded and argued that increased shipbuilding would help revive the American shipbuilding industry. Emphasizing broader national strength, Trump said U.S. borders are secure, the economy is strong, and America’s modern naval fleet is respected worldwide.
“These ships will frighten America’s enemies,” Trump said, adding that countries that once doubted the United States now respect its military power.
