Sixteen hours after his announcement about a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump has now offered to work with the two neighbours to resolve the Kashmir issue.
The Indian government is yet to respond to Trump’s offer, although it has always maintained that Kashmir is an integral part of the country and would not encourage a third-party involvement.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression that could have led to the death and destruction of so many, and so much. Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision. While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a “thousand years,” a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done,” he added.
In a press brief, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had said the military action had been called off from 17:00 hours.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked US President Trump for his “leadership and proactive role for peace”.
“Pakistan appreciates the United States for facilitating this outcome, which we have accepted in the interest of regional peace and stability. We also thank Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their valuable contributions for peace in South Asia. Pakistan believes this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability,” he said.
However, hours after the deal, Pakistan, later in the night, violated the agreement along the LoC at multiple locations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said late Saturday night that within hours of the ceasefire declaration, Pakistan violated the agreement, prompting India to demand that Islamabad act responsibly and rein in the breaches.
“In the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan,” Misri said in a press briefing on late Saturday night.
