WASHINGTON, May 8: In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Trump offered to mediate, stating that if there was anything he could do to help ease tensions between the two South Asian nations, he would be willing to step in.
“Oh, it’s so terrible! My position is I get along with both. 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. They’ve gone tit for tat, so hopefully, they can stop now. But we get along with both countries very well—good relationships with both. And I want to see it stop,” Trump said during his address.
“And if I can do anything to help, I will—I will be there,” he added, offering to assist in facilitating peace between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Tensions flared after Indian forces reportedly launched missile strikes on multiple sites inside Pakistan in response to the terror incident in Pahalgam, Kashmir. While details of the strikes are still emerging, the move has raised global concern over a potential military escalation between the two countries.
Earlier the same day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on the volatile situation. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio affirmed that the United States was closely monitoring the developments and reaffirmed the need for de-escalation. “I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo President Trump’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly, and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution,” Rubio said.
Trump, addressing reporters, acknowledged that the White House was briefed on the Indian strikes shortly before his remarks. “We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval [Office]. Just heard about it. I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They’ve been fighting for a long time. They’ve been fighting for many, many decades—and centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly,” he said.
Both India and Pakistan have a long history of military and political tensions, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region. While periodic dialogue has taken place in the past, incidents of cross-border violence and terror attacks have repeatedly derailed peace efforts. The latest statements from the US leadership signal an intent to prevent further deterioration and encourage diplomatic solutions.
