Trump reacts to India’s attack on Pakistan: “It’s a shame”

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, describing the situation as a "shame" after India launched attacks on nine sites in Pakistan and disputed territory of Kashmir. This military action followed a militant attack on April 22 in disputed Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities.

Trump spoke to reporters at the White House, saying, "It's a shame, we just heard about it," referencing the ongoing conflict, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past. They've been fighting for a long time." He added, "I just hope it ends very quickly."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on the situation, stating on social media that he was "monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely." He assured that Washington would continue engaging both nations, emphasising efforts towards a "peaceful resolution."

The Indian Embassy in Washington confirmed that Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke with Rubio to brief him about India's military response. India's role as a key U.S. partner has gained significance, especially with Washington focusing on countering China's growing influence. While Pakistan remains an ally of the U.S., its importance has waned since the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In recent days, U.S. officials have urged both nations to de-escalate tensions and work together toward a responsible resolution. Following the April 22 attack, U.S. leaders, including Trump, expressed support for India, but American officials refrained from directly blaming Pakistan for the assault. Analysts had speculated that the U.S. would initially take a hands-off approach to the tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, due to its already complex diplomatic priorities, including involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza.

On April 25, Trump had remarked that India and Pakistan would resolve their own relations. "They'll get it figured out one way or the other," he stated at the time.

The U.S. State Department has maintained communication with both nations at various levels. Rubio held calls last week with officials from India and Pakistan, continuing efforts to facilitate dialogue between the two countries.

The dispute over Kashmir remains a longstanding issue, with both India and Pakistan claiming the region in full but each controlling only part of it. The two countries have fought wars over the territory in the past. India has accused Pakistan of being behind the April 22 attack, while Pakistan has denied the allegations and called for an impartial investigation.

By Tamilla Hasanova