Speaking on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Trump said that both India and Pakistan should work the crisis out
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed his concern over the escalating situation between India and Pakistan and stated that he would offer any possible help to de-escalate tensions along the India-Pakistan border.
Speaking on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Trump said that both India and Pakistan should work the crisis out. “Oh it’s so terrible! My position is I get along with both. I know both very well and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop and hopefully they can stop now. They’ve gotten tit for tat, so hopefully they can stop now. But I know we get along with both countries very well. [We have] Good relationships with both. And I want to see it stop,” he said. “And if I can do anything to help, I will I will be there,” Trump added.
Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he is closely monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan, following Indian missile strikes on multiple sites in Pakistan.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio said, “I am monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely. I echo President Trump’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution.”
His remarks follow those of President Donald Trump, who earlier in the day acknowledged the reports of the Indian strikes and expressed hope that tensions would de-escalate swiftly.
“We just heard about it as we were walking through the doors of the Oval. Just heard about it. 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. They’ve been fighting for many, many decades. And centuries, actually, if you think about it. I hope it ends very quickly,” Trump said.
The US State Department also addressed the situation, though it refrained from making a detailed assessment.
A spokesperson said, “We are aware of the reports, however, we have no assessment to offer at this time. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments.”
Meanwhile, US Congressman Rich McCormick on Wednesday voiced support for India’s right to defend itself, amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following missile strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
McCormick said the United States stands firmly against terrorism and backs India’s action against such threats. “When it comes to the recent missile strike on Pakistani soil on terrorists by India, I would like to say that India has the right to defend itself against terrorists just like the United States did. With that said, we have to be careful because we’re talking about two peer adversaries with nuclear power and nuclear arms. We want to make sure that we don’t alienate either nation in this conflict, but that we stand resolute together against terrorism abroad,” said McCormick said.
Meanwhile, US Mission on Wednesday issued a “reconsider travel” advisory for Pakistan in light of recent precision strikes by India and advised them to exercise caution and monitor local media for updates.
On Wednesday morning, India carried out precise strikes against terrorist infrastructure in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed.
“We are aware of reports of military strikes by India into Pakistan. This remains an evolving situation, and we are closely monitoring developments. US citizens are reminded of the “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas in the vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict, and the US Department of State’s “Reconsider Travel” advisory for Pakistan generally,” US Mission to Pakistan wrote in their advisory.
“We are also aware that airspace has been closed, and many flights have been cancelled. We advise US citizens to depart areas of active conflict if they can safely do so, or to shelter in place. The US Embassy will send updates as needed through our message system,” it added.
Further, the US Embassy advised exercising caution and leaving the area if you unexpectedly find yourself in the vicinity of military activities. If relocation is not possible, sheltering in place is recommended.
The US Embassy also advised citizens to review their personal security plan, monitor local media for updates, keep a low profile, and be aware of their surroundings. It is also recommended that US citizens carry identification and cooperate with authorities.
