Washington: The relationship between India and Pakistan is ‘less heated’ now than what was two weeks ago, United States President Donald Trump has said. He has also reiterated his offer to help the two South-Asian neighbours to diffuse the tension, only if both of them want.
The comments by Trump were his first and comes two weeks since his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, August 26.
“India and Pakistan are having a conflict over Kashmir as you know. I think (it) is a little bit less heated right now than (what) was two weeks ago,” Donald Trump told reporters Monday at the White House.
Tensions between the two neighbours escalated after New Delhi revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by scrapping provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution.
“I get along with both countries very well,” Trump said while responding to a question on his assessment of the situation between India and Pakistan. “I am willing to help them if they want. They know that. That (offer) is out there.”
During a meeting with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in July, the US President had offered to mediate between the two countries on the issue of Kashmir.
India was quick to reject the offer, saying the Kashmir issue was bilateral. It has also dismissed Trump’s astonishing claim that Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate.
During his meeting with Modi in France last month, Trump had said Kashmir is an issue that needs to be resolved between India and Pakistan.
PTI