Trump Offers Mediation Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped forward with an offer to mediate between India and Pakistan as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to rise. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, May 7, Trump expressed his concern over the escalating conflict, stating, “I know both India and Pakistan very well. I want them to resolve this issue. I want them to stop. If I can help in any way, I will”.
The situation has intensified following India’s recent airstrikes on alleged terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded with a stern warning, declaring that India had made a “grave mistake” and would “have to pay the price.” Sharif reported that 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the attack, with 46 others injured.
Pakistan’s military leadership has also condemned the strikes, with Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), stating that Indian airstrikes have resulted in at least 31 civilian deaths and 57 injuries in Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. “There will be no compromise on the protection of our land and citizens,” Chaudhry asserted, emphasizing Pakistan’s right to self-defense.
Islamabad has labeled India’s actions as a “clear act of war,” suggesting that the strikes were in retaliation for last month’s deadly assault on tourists in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. The international community has urged both nations to exercise restraint, with diplomatic efforts underway to de-escalate the situation.
Trump’s offer of mediation comes amid growing concerns over the potential for further military escalation. While the U.S. has maintained contact with both Delhi and Islamabad, analysts suggest Washington may avoid deeper involvement in the early stages of this crisis.
As tensions continue to mount, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
