Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, May 11: In a fresh diplomatic twist, US President Donald Trump has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve the decades-old Kashmir dispute, following his administration’s role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “I will work with you, both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” repeating a historically inaccurate assertion that India and Pakistan have been battling over Kashmir for over a millennium.
The contested region of Jammu and Kashmir has remained a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since 1947, when British India was partitioned. The two neighbours have fought three wars over the territory, and India has maintained a consistent stance against any foreign mediation.
Despite the Indian government's silence, Pakistani authorities swiftly responded to Trump’s offer. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad welcomed the US President’s willingness, stating, “Any just and lasting settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute must be in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and must ensure the realization of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.”
Indian media, citing unnamed sources, reported that New Delhi has made no decision on talks beyond the recently enforced ceasefire, which was announced first by President Trump. He hailed the development as a “historic and heroic decision” and expressed readiness to boost trade with both countries.
The renewed hostilities that led to the ceasefire erupted following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. India blamed Pakistan-backed terror groups for the attack, while Islamabad dismissed the accusations as baseless and termed it a false-flag operation.
Trump's proposal comes at a time when both countries have hardened positions on Kashmir. In 2019, India revoked the region's semi-autonomous status, a move that drew criticism from Pakistan and widened the diplomatic rift. India also suspended cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty and severed several diplomatic and trade links in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the ceasefire deal also included plans for broader bilateral talks at a neutral venue. However, analysts in India remain sceptical of Trump’s remarks. “Any suggestion of third-party involvement, even in passing, crosses a red line for New Delhi—especially under the current government,” said Mohmad Waseem Malla of the International Centre for Peace Studies, New Delhi.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to host peace talks in Istanbul, further signalling growing international interest in mediating the Kashmir dispute.
With tensions still high and no formal reaction from India, diplomatic observers say the coming days will be crucial in gauging whether Trump's outreach gains any traction.