US Encourages Peaceful Dialogue Between India and Pakistan Amid Tensions

US Promotes Direct Communication

On Tuesday, the United States expressed its support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for opting for a peaceful resolution.

This statement follows India's pushback against former President Donald Trump's assertion that he pressured both nations into a ceasefire by threatening to halt trade. Trump claimed that his administration facilitated a 'full and immediate ceasefire' between the two countries.

Trump also mentioned that his efforts prevented a potential nuclear conflict, stating, 'I think it could have been a bad nuclear war. Millions of people could have been killed.'

India has firmly stated that trade discussions were not part of any talks with US leaders.

Additionally, India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, clarified that any military actions taken by India were strictly conventional, countering Trump's nuclear war speculations.

Thomas Pigott, the principal deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, remarked that the decision by India and Pakistan to cease hostilities after four days of military tensions demonstrated 'strength, wisdom, and fortitude.'

When questioned about whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured any commitments from Pakistani leaders regarding the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, Pigott refrained from commenting, emphasizing the US's support for the ceasefire.

He also avoided speculation regarding New Delhi's rejection of Washington's mediation offer.

On Saturday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced the halt of military actions shortly after Trump claimed on social media that both nations had agreed to a ceasefire, which he suggested was mediated by the US.

However, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting clarified that the ceasefire was a direct agreement between the two countries.

They added, 'There is no decision to hold talks on any other issue at any other place.'

The tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on May 7 when the Indian military conducted strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting what it identified as terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This military action was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities on April 22.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Army shelled Indian villages along the Line of Control, leading to the deaths of at least 22 Indian civilians and eight defense personnel.

Pakistan reported that 11 of its military personnel and 40 civilians were killed during the conflict.