KEY POINTS
- Says millions of innocent people could have died
- US president hails the wisdom of both nations’ leadership
- Pakistan and India reached a ceasefire on Saturday
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised the leadership of Pakistan and India for agreeing to a ceasefire, pledging to support efforts toward a resolution of the Kashmir dispute and to increase trade substantially with both nations.
In a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump called the agreement “historic and heroic” and said both countries had shown “strength, wisdom, and fortitude” by halting what he described as escalating aggression.
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!!!,” Trump said.
“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,” Trump wrote.
“I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations,” he posted on Truth Social after Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire after days of deadly fighting.
However, since the ceasefire was announced, both sides have traded accusations of truce violations.
I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations.” – US President Donald Trump
He also said millions of people could have died in the conflict after Pakistan and India stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war.
“Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”
Trump also credited the United States for its role in supporting the peace effort. “I am proud that the USA was able to help you arrive at this historic and heroic decision,” he said.
“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,” Trump said.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan has given a positive response to the ceasefire with India in the interest of regional peace, and for the sake of the lives of millions of people.
The Prime Minister thanked the US and friendly countries, including the United Kingdom, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the United Nations Secretary General, for their efforts in securing a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed rivals.
He specially mentioned the efforts and support of Pakistan’s time tested and trustworthy friend China, which remained standing with Pakistan in this hour of turbulence.
Pakistan-India tensions
Tensions between both countries escalated after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people.
India swiftly blamed Pakistan-based elements for the assault without providing any credible evidence. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly denied the Indian allegations.
Pakistan had repeatedly offered neutral and transparent international investigations into the incident. However, India failed to respond to Pakistan’s offer and instead continued with its aggressive posture.
On April 23, India closed the Wagah border crossing, revoked Pakistani visas, and announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan condemned the move as an “act of war” and responded by sealing the Wagah border from its side.
The confrontation then erupted on May 6–7 as India launched its attack against Pakistan, that spiralled into the gravest military clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in decades.
Despite repeated warnings from the Pakistani government, India, fueled by its media’s war-driven rhetoric, continued provocative actions, including frequent drone incursions, which ultimately prompted Pakistan to retaliate.
Yesterday, Pakistan and India agreed to a ceasefire brokered by the United States in a dramatic turn of events, preventing a wider conflict between the two countries.
However, within hours of the agreement, the Indian foreign secretary accused Pakistan for violating the ceasefire. The Foreign Office late at night issued a statement and rejected Indian allegations, saying Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire agreement.
“Pakistan remains committed to faithful implementation of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, announced earlier today,” the FO said.
Pakistan welcomes Trump’s statement
Pakistan officially welcomed the statement by US President Donald Trump regarding Pakistan-India relations.
“We acknowledge with appreciation the constructive role played by the United States, alongside other friendly states, in supporting the recent ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India; a step towards de-escalation and regional stability”, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Shafaqat Ali Khan said in a statement on Sunday.
He said Pakistan also 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 spokesman said 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 realisation of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.
The spokesman said Pakistan remains committed to engaging with the United States and the international community in efforts to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region. We also look forward to deepening our multifaceted partnership with the United States, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
