Washington: The United States has welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, describing it as a positive step toward regional stability. Following President Donald Trump’s renewed offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute, the US State Department underscored the importance of sustained peace and direct dialogue between the two South Asian rivals.
Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, emphasized President Trump’s role in advancing peace and reiterated Washington’s support for diplomacy in the region.
During a press briefing, Pigott stated, “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.”
President Trump earlier applauded the ceasefire agreement and expressed concern over the potential consequences had tensions escalated. Referring to the threat of a nuclear conflict, Trump warned that countless lives could have been lost without a peaceful resolution.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “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.”
President Trump also claimed that the United States had contributed to the breakthrough and reaffirmed his willingness to mediate the Kashmir issue if both sides are willing.
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“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!!!”
India, however, has consistently opposed any third-party intervention in the Kashmir dispute. For New Delhi, the matter is both internal and bilateral, to be resolved directly with Islamabad if necessary. This long-standing position is enshrined in the 1972 Shimla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration, which rule out international mediation.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this stance during a public statement on Thursday.
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“To me things are fairly clear. So, let me take this opportunity to spell out our position. One, where Pakistan is concerned, our relations, our dealings with them will be bilateral, and strictly bilateral.”
“That is a national consensus for many years, and there is absolutely no change in that consensus that dealings with Pakistan will be bilateral,” Jaishankar stated.
While the US continues to portray President Trump’s involvement as a constructive effort toward peace, India’s firm position underlines its determination to handle its core territorial issues without foreign mediation.
