WEBDESK: The United States has made it clear that while President Donald Trump is willing to mediate between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, he cannot compel either side to accept the offer.
This came as the State Department clarified the administration’s position on the long-running dispute.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “As President Trump has stated, [everyone] has the right to define its own future. He offers his help, and it’s up to whoever he is offering it to, to whether or not they’ll accept it.”
Her comment subtly confirmed that Washington respects the autonomy of both countries in deciding whether to accept outside mediation.
The clarification comes weeks after tensions flared between the two neighbours, following a dangerous air combat incident that nearly triggered a wider conflict.
The US appears open to playing a constructive role in easing such tensions but also acknowledges its influence has boundaries.
India, however, remains firm in its position that Kashmir is a bilateral matter and has repeatedly rejected any third-party role, including that of the United States.
Despite India’s unwillingness to engage, the Trump administration continues to show interest in reducing hostility in the region.
Ms Bruce said, “So, I wouldn’t speak to the nature of another country’s decision-making. That’s up to them, but, I think, all of us are grateful that we have a president who is willing to help, and wants to help.”
President Trump has recently described Kashmir as a “thousand-year-old” conflict and has publicly offered assistance on several occasions.
While his intentions appear genuine, the US has clarified that mediation is not a necessity but an option, one that both sides are free to accept or ignore.
Modi denies US role in India-Pakistan ceasefire
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a phone call with US President Donald Trump late Tuesday, stated that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May came through direct military talks, not through any mediation by Washington, according to India’s top diplomat.
Last month, Trump had suggested that the two nuclear neighbours ended a brief four-day conflict after US mediation, saying he had encouraged both countries to prioritise trade over tension.
However, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a press release that “PM Modi told President Trump clearly that during this period, there was no talk at any stage on subjects like India-US trade deal or US mediation between India and Pakistan.”
The conversation reportedly took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, which Modi attended as a guest. According to Misri, the 35-minute call was made at Trump’s request.
The White House has not yet issued any statement regarding the discussion between the two leaders.
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