The United States has walked back on President Donald Trump’s proposal to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, urging both nations instead to pursue direct dialogue. This shift came after India strongly opposed any third-party involvement. The US State Department stepped in to clarify, stressing that peace in the region would depend on bilateral engagement.
“We also welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for choosing the path of peace. As President Trump said, their decision reflects strength, wisdom, and fortitude,” said Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Pigott added, “What we are happy to see is a ceasefire. We want to encourage and see direct talks between the parties. Taking a step back, the President is a peacemaker, and we celebrate the advancement of peace. We hope the ceasefire will be maintained.”
Trump claims role in ceasefire
The clarification followed several public statements by President Trump, in which he positioned himself as a mediator in the recent cooling of tensions. On Sunday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed satisfaction with what he called a “historic” outcome.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” Trump wrote.
He continued, “I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”
Also Read: Want to encourage direct communication between India, Pak: US State Department
India’s firm stand on Kashmir remains unchanged
Despite repeated offers from the United States to step in, New Delhi has consistently rejected third-party mediation in the Kashmir dispute. India maintains that the issue is strictly bilateral.
When asked about Trump’s latest remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its unchanged position. “That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan,” the Ministry said on Tuesday.
India regards Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country, and any foreign involvement has been strongly opposed by successive governments.
The recent understanding between India and Pakistan to halt cross-border strikes came after the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam. The strikes led to rising military activity on both sides of the Line of Control. The agreement to stop further attacks came over the weekend, though the situation remains tense, with no formal treaty in place.
Trump’s repeated calls for mediation and his claim of having helped “settle” the crisis are unlikely to shift India’s long-held position. Still, the ceasefire has been welcomed as a necessary pause in a region where tensions often teeter on the edge of conflict.
While the US continues to advocate for diplomacy and trade, the path to a lasting resolution on Kashmir remains firmly tied to India and Pakistan’s ability—or willingness—to engage directly.
(With inputs from ANI)
“We also welcome the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for choosing the path of peace. As President Trump said, their decision reflects strength, wisdom, and fortitude,” said Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Pigott added, “What we are happy to see is a ceasefire. We want to encourage and see direct talks between the parties. Taking a step back, the President is a peacemaker, and we celebrate the advancement of peace. We hope the ceasefire will be maintained.”
Trump claims role in ceasefire
The clarification followed several public statements by President Trump, in which he positioned himself as a mediator in the recent cooling of tensions. On Sunday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed satisfaction with what he called a “historic” outcome.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” Trump wrote.
He continued, “I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”
Also Read: Want to encourage direct communication between India, Pak: US State Department
India’s firm stand on Kashmir remains unchanged
Despite repeated offers from the United States to step in, New Delhi has consistently rejected third-party mediation in the Kashmir dispute. India maintains that the issue is strictly bilateral.
When asked about Trump’s latest remarks, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its unchanged position. “That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan,” the Ministry said on Tuesday.
India regards Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country, and any foreign involvement has been strongly opposed by successive governments.
The recent understanding between India and Pakistan to halt cross-border strikes came after the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam. The strikes led to rising military activity on both sides of the Line of Control. The agreement to stop further attacks came over the weekend, though the situation remains tense, with no formal treaty in place.
Trump’s repeated calls for mediation and his claim of having helped “settle” the crisis are unlikely to shift India’s long-held position. Still, the ceasefire has been welcomed as a necessary pause in a region where tensions often teeter on the edge of conflict.
While the US continues to advocate for diplomacy and trade, the path to a lasting resolution on Kashmir remains firmly tied to India and Pakistan’s ability—or willingness—to engage directly.
(With inputs from ANI)
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