WASHINGTON, May 8 (Alliance News) – US President Donald Trump has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help ease rising tensions following deadly cross-border attacks, urging both nations to halt hostilities and return to peace talks.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he was willing to assist both countries in resolving their differences. “I get along with both, I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out,” he said. “They’ve gone tit-for-tat, so hopefully they can stop now.”
The appeal came as India and Pakistan engaged in intense artillery exchanges along the Line of Control after India launched missile strikes in retaliation for a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad has strongly denied the accusation.
At least 43 people have been killed in the recent hostilities, deepening fears of a larger conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
While Pakistan has long been a strategic ally of the United States, Trump has also invested in strengthening ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting him at the White House earlier.
Despite initially downplaying the crisis by referring to centuries of regional disputes, Trump signaled a more proactive approach as the situation worsened. “If I can do anything to help, I will be there,” he stated.
The White House also confirmed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio contacted top diplomats from both nations on Friday, urging dialogue to prevent further escalation.
