Trump to ‘work’ for resolution of Kashmir dispute

Talks to address key issues, including Kashmir, set to begin at neutral venue.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) – U.S. President Donald Trump has commended the leadership of India and Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire after days of escalating tensions.

Calling it a “historic and heroic decision,” Trump emphasized the need to resolve long-standing issues, including the Kashmir dispute, which he described as unresolved for “a thousand years.”

“I will work with both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” he said.

“I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this decision. Millions of innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” Trump added in a post on Truth.

He also pledged to expand trade with both nations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier disclosed that both countries have committed to holding talks at a neutral venue to address contentious issues.

The discussions are expected to cover Indus Waters Treaty, militancy, trade, and the core dispute of Kashmir.

The neutral location for the talks has not yet been announced but is expected to ensure an impartial setting for meaningful negotiations.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the local Pakistani media that India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the disputed region of Kashmir, and “terrorism” will be discussed at the talks.

India has not officially commented on the question of discussions.

In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Trump’s comments, saying, “We appreciate President Trump’s expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute—a longstanding issue that has serious implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond.”

The ministry further stated, “Pakistan reaffirms that any just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and must ensure the realization of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.”

In a televised address, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope for peaceful resolutions to all outstanding issues, including the equitable distribution of water resources and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

“We fully believe that the path of peaceful negotiations, in line with principles of justice, will be adopted,” Sharif said, emphasizing his government’s commitment to regional stability.

The ceasefire, achieved through international mediation, has been lauded as a critical step toward de-escalation.

However, analysts note that tackling the Kashmir dispute will be pivotal in determining the success of these renewed peace efforts.

Trump’s announcement goes further than his earlier offers.

“He has posted again about India and Pakistan—and this time he says he will work with them to seek a ‘solution’ on Kashmir,” said Michael Kugelman, an American foreign policy author and South Asia expert.

“His first-term offers had been limited to mediation only if both sides requested it,” Kugelman added.

Abdul Basit, diplomat and former Pakistani ambassador to India, tweeted that Trump should be appreciated for understanding that the root cause of Pakistan-India hostility is the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

“Can he help? I don’t know,” Basit wrote, “but diplomacy is the art of the possible, provided you do it right. Kashmir can win him a Nobel.”

Trump’s comments and the forthcoming talks have brought renewed focus on resolving the long-standing Kashmir conflict, signaling a potential breakthrough in the fraught relations between India and Pakistan.

“God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!” Trump concluded, underscoring his administration’s role in fostering dialogue.