The US State Department on Wednesday reaffirmed former President Donald Trump’s willingness to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, during a White House press briefing, stated that any actions taken by Trump regarding the issue are aimed at resolving long-standing differences between the two nations.
Trump had previously offered his services to mediate the Kashmir conflict following a brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan after their most intense military confrontation in decades. He had expressed optimism about finding a solution to the decades-old dispute.
While Bruce declined to comment on specifics of Trump’s plans, she highlighted his unique ability to bring together parties for previously unthinkable conversations, expressing hope for a resolution to the Kashmir issue. She noted that Trump’s involvement in such a sensitive matter should not be surprising, given his track record.
Trump has already taken credit for mediating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May.
The spokesperson also addressed a recent visit by a Pakistani delegation, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to Washington. The delegation met with State Department officials, including Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, to discuss bilateral issues, including counterterrorism cooperation and the ongoing ceasefire. Bruce also mentioned that Deputy Secretary Landau had met with an Indian parliamentary delegation to reaffirm US support for India’s fight against terrorism.