WASHINGTON: The United States has reaffirmed its support for peaceful dialogue between Pakistan and India, urging both countries to maintain direct communication following their ceasefire agreement on May 10.
Addressing a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott repeatedly avoided commenting on Pakistan-specific commitments related questions, instead emphasising Washington’s support for de-escalation and direct bilateral engagement.
“We continue to encourage direct communication. The President has praised both prime ministers for the wisdom and fortitude that they shows.”
In response to a question from an Indian journalist about whether Pakistan had promised to “dismantle all terrorist networks” operating within its borders, Pigott declined to offer any details.
“I’m not going to talk about private diplomatic conversations,” he said. “What I can say is, we welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan this weekend, and we commend both prime ministers for choosing the path of peace. The President has spoken clearly on this.”
Pigott reiterated that the United States encourages “direct communication between the parties” and would continue to support peaceful dialogue.
The briefing also touched upon unconfirmed reports of nuclear radiation leaks in Pakistan. When asked whether the US had sent a technical team to Islamabad in response, Pigott simply said: “I have nothing to preview on that at this time.”
A journalist then raised the issue of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to engage in US-brokered peace efforts, contrasting it with Pakistan’s openness to dialogue.
Referring to President Trump’s past efforts to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, the journalist said: “Pakistan welcomed President Trump’s efforts for bringing about a ceasefire and even believed he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for trying to resolve the Kashmir dispute. But Prime Minister Modi did not welcome this effort—the same person who was denied a US visa for a decade. Does this attitude disappoint Washington?”
Pigott, however, avoided criticising Modi’s stance: “What we are happy to see is a ceasefire. That is what we’re focused on. We want to see it maintained and encourage direct communication. That’s where our focus is going to remain.”
Defending President Trump’s diplomatic approach, he added, “The President is a peacemaker and a dealmaker. He values peace and has demonstrated that repeatedly—both in his ‘America First’ agenda and his broader commitment to conflict resolution.”
The question regarding India’s reported use of Israeli-made drones in its strikes against Pakistan, and whether this could complicate Trump’s Abraham Accord initiative, which aims to foster interfaith harmony among Abrahamic religions.
Pigott sidestepped the geopolitical implications, choosing instead to reinforce the White House’s focus on regional calm.
“I’ll reiterate—what we are focused on here and happy to see is a ceasefire. We want to see direct communication between the parties. The President stands ready to aid peace wherever possible. He’s a dealmaker and a peacemaker, and the results are showing.”
