In a statement issued from the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the growing tension between India and Pakistan, sparked by a recent terrorist attack in the disputed region of Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump offered to mediate between the two South Asian nuclear powers and urged both sides to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue.
Terror Attack in Kashmir Triggers Military Response
The escalation in tensions comes after a deadly Islamist militant attack in the Kashmir region, which claimed the lives of several Indian security personnel. In response to the attack, India announced on Wednesday that it had carried out precision military strikes on what it described as terrorist camps inside Pakistan’s territory. This marked a significant rise in hostilities between the neighboring nations, both of which have a long and volatile history of conflict over Kashmir.
According to Indian officials, the operation was a preemptive measure aimed at preventing further terrorist activity. Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement in the attack and condemned India’s military action, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
President Trump’s Remarks from the White House
Shortly after news of the Indian strikes broke, President Trump addressed the issue during a ceremony in the Oval Office, where former Senator David Perdue was sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to China. Trump expressed his concerns over the situation, describing the conflict as “terrible.”
“My position is I get along with both,” Trump stated. “I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop, and hopefully they can stop now.”
The president emphasized the need for peace and diplomacy, noting that the U.S. maintains strong bilateral relationships with both India and Pakistan. He acknowledged the historical complexity of the Kashmir dispute but stressed the importance of moving beyond the cycle of retaliation.
U.S. Willing to Play a Role in Peace Talks
While stopping short of offering a formal plan, Trump made it clear that the United States would be willing to assist in resolving the conflict if both countries were open to American involvement.
“If they need somebody to intervene, we are willing to help,” he said. “We have good relations with both countries, and we want to see calm restored in the region.”
The U.S. has traditionally maintained a cautious approach in mediating South Asian affairs, particularly the Kashmir issue, which both India and Pakistan consider a deeply sensitive and sovereign matter. India, in particular, has consistently rejected third-party intervention, maintaining that any resolution must be handled bilaterally.
India-Pakistan Conflict: A Long History
The latest flare-up is one of many in a decades-long conflict over Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries since the partition of British India in 1947. The two nations have fought multiple wars over the region, and periodic skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) have become commonplace.
While both India and Pakistan have attempted peace processes in the past, progress has often been derailed by terrorist incidents, political changes, or military escalations. The presence of militant groups operating from Pakistani territory remains a major point of contention for India.
International Community Calls for Restraint
In the wake of the rising tensions, various international leaders and organizations, including the United Nations, have urged both nations to de-escalate and avoid further military confrontation. The possibility of conflict between two nuclear-armed nations has raised global concern, with calls for immediate dialogue and restraint.
The White House has indicated that it is monitoring the situation closely and remains in touch with officials from both New Delhi and Islamabad. Trump’s offer of mediation reflects the administration’s interest in maintaining regional stability and preventing the conflict from spiraling out of control.
