As the Kashmir conflict reignited historical hostilities between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump refrained from direct involvement, voicing confidence that both nations would settle matters on their own.
While addressing reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that India and Pakistan would work out their relationship themselves amidst escalating tensions following a deadly assault in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Trump remarked, “They’ll get it figured out one way or the other.”
President Trump referred to the longstanding discord in the disputed territory and acknowledged familiarity with the leaders of both countries. However, he did not respond when asked if he intended to contact them directly.
"I know the leaders of both countries. There’s great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been. The Kashmir dispute is more than 1500 years old,” the US president stated during his flight.
The attack in Pahalgam valley of India-held Kashmir on Tuesday had left 26 people dead at a tourist location. Indian officials claimed involvement of Pakistani elements in the assault, a charge that the Pakistani government rejected.
The region of Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, had witnessed two wars between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Following the incident, relations between the two South Asian nations worsened.
India suspended a key water-sharing agreement, while Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Trade ties between the countries also faced jeopardy in the aftermath.
On Friday, Indian stock markets plunged due to concerns over renewed hostilities. However, the markets partially recovered after Indian forces conducted operations to locate suspected militants within the region.
