US President Donald Trump has voiced concern over rising hostilities between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to halt retaliatory actions following the recent military escalations.
Labeling the situation “tit-for-tat,” Trump said he hopes the two nuclear-armed neighbors “can stop now” and added he’s willing to step in to help mediate.
Speaking at the White House, Trump remarked, “I know both countries very well. I’d like to see them work it out. And if I can do anything to help, I’ll be there.” He described the unfolding conflict as “a shame.”
The comments come in the wake of India’s targeted missile strikes on alleged terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, in response to the deadly April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan, in turn, claimed it shot down Indian aircraft and reported over 30 deaths in the Indian offensive.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in diplomacy, discussing efforts to de-escalate the situation with Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister. The U.S. has reportedly maintained contact with both Delhi and Islamabad in recent days.
India, a key U.S. partner in countering China’s regional influence, has received indirect backing from Washington, though the U.S. has stopped short of criticizing Pakistan outright. With global focus also on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, analysts suggest Washington may avoid deeper involvement in the early stages of this South Asian crisis.
