Trump says US will work with India, Pakistan to resolve Kashmir dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump offered on Sunday to help India and Pakistan resolve their decadeslong dispute over Kashmir, saying he would “work with” both sides to arrive at a solution “after a ‘thousand years.’”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also pledged to expand trade with both nuclear-armed rivals, days after intense U.S. diplomacy led to a sudden ceasefire in the wake of deadly cross-border strikes.

“I will work with India Pakistan to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” Trump wrote. “God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!”

Trump praised the leadership of both countries for having the strength, wisdom, and fortitude to fully know and understand that it was time to stop the current aggression.

“Millions of good and innocent people could have died,” he wrote. “Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions.”

While the post did not offer specifics, Trump’s comment marked the first public indication that his administration may seek to play a role in resolving the long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir — a flashpoint that has triggered multiple wars between the South Asian neighbors since 1947.

What triggered the conflict?

The region was thrust back into global headlines after 26 tourists were killed in an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. India blamed Pakistan-based militants and responded with a series of air and missile strikes across the Line of Control, including in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad denied any involvement.

By May 7, both sides had exchanged heavy fire and drone attacks, raising fears of a broader conflict.

The fighting abruptly halted Saturday, May 10, when India and Pakistan announced a “full and immediate ceasefire.”

Talks at neutral venue

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and Vice President JD Vance held round-the-clock talks with top Indian and Pakistani officials, including military and intelligence leaders, over a 48-hour period.

On Sunday, Rubio said that both countries had also agreed to begin talks at a neutral venue on a “broad set of issues.”

While the ceasefire announcement was welcomed internationally, violations were quickly reported from both sides. Explosions were heard in Srinagar and Jammu hours after the announcement, and Pakistani officials in Kotli accused India of firing across the border.

Despite these reports, both governments said they would continue to honor the truce. However, punitive measures, including trade suspensions and visa bans imposed during the crisis, remain in effect.

India’s foreign ministry declined to comment, but two Indian government sources told Reuters that the Indus Waters Treaty — a key water-sharing pact suspended by New Delhi — would remain in abeyance.

Trump’s remarks suggested he sees economic engagement as a tool for de-escalation.

“While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations,” he wrote.

Omar Abdullah, chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir, said he welcomed the ceasefire but lamented the lost lives.

“If it had happened 2–3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” he said.

India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir in full but govern separate parts of it.

The two sides have fought three wars since independence from Britain, including two over Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of backing Islamist insurgents in the region — a charge Islamabad denies.

Pakistan welcomes Trump’s statement

Meanwhile, Pakistan welcomed Trump’s remarks on Pakistan-India relations and his willingness to support efforts toward resolving the Kashmir dispute.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad acknowledged what it called the “constructive role” played by the United States and other friendly nations in helping broker the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan — a move the ministry described as a step toward de-escalation and regional stability.

“We also appreciate President Trump’s expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” the statement said, calling it a “longstanding issue that has serious implications for peace and security in South Asia and beyond.”

Pakistan reiterated its position that any settlement on Kashmir must align with United Nations Security Council resolutions and ensure “the realization of the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people, including their inalienable right to self-determination.”

The ministry said Pakistan remains committed to working with the U.S. and the international community on peace, security and regional prosperity, and expressed interest in expanding trade and economic cooperation with Washington.

Islamabad also thanked United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for welcoming the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it agreed with Guterres' assessment that the truce marked a positive step toward fostering lasting peace and stability in South Asia.

“Pakistan concurs with the Secretary-General’s assessment that this development represents a positive step toward promoting an environment conducive to durable peace and stability in South Asia,” the statement said.

Shehbaz hails Trump as ‘great partner’

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also praised Trump’s remarks, calling them a sign of “pathbreaking leadership” and a commitment to global peace.

“I am extremely grateful to President Trump for his pathbreaking leadership and commitment to global peace and for his most valuable offer to play a greater role in bringing lasting peace to South Asia,” Shehbaz said in a statement posted to X.

He said Pakistan and the United States have long shared a strategic partnership built on mutual interests and cooperation in key global regions.

“For decades, Pakistan and the U.S. have been partners who worked together closely to protect and promote our mutual interests as well as for peace and security in critical parts of the world,” he said.

The prime minister added he was confident Pakistan had found in Trump “a great partner who can reinvigorate our strategic partnership and strengthen Pakistan-U.S. ties, not only in trade and investment but in all other areas of cooperation.”

— With additional input from Reuters