In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump praised the leadership of both Pakistan and India for agreeing to a ceasefire amid escalating tensions, offering to mediate the long-standing Kashmir dispute and pledging to boost trade ties with both nations.
Posting on his platform, Truth Social, Trump described the ceasefire as a “historic and heroic” achievement, applauding the two nuclear-armed neighbours for showing “strength, wisdom, and fortitude” in halting a rapidly intensifying conflict.
“I am very proud of the strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership of India and Pakistan… Millions of good and innocent people could have died. Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions,” Trump stated, crediting the United States for playing a role in brokering the truce.
He further expressed a willingness to engage directly in resolving the Kashmir issue, which he acknowledged was not part of the immediate discussions. “I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” he wrote. Trump also reiterated his intent to “substantially increase trade” with both India and Pakistan, referring to them as “great Nations.”
The ceasefire follows a dramatic spike in hostilities triggered by the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. India accused Pakistan-based elements of orchestrating the attack, a claim Islamabad strongly denied due to lack of evidence.
The crisis escalated swiftly: India closed the Wagah border crossing, revoked Pakistani visas, and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23—moves Pakistan condemned as “acts of war” and responded to by sealing its side of the border. Full-scale military confrontation erupted on May 6–7 after India launched a cross-border assault, drawing retaliation from Pakistan in what became the gravest clash between the two countries in decades.
Despite heightened tensions and provocative actions, including drone incursions by Indian forces, the United States succeeded in brokering a ceasefire that temporarily de-escalated the situation. However, within hours of the agreement, India accused Pakistan of violating the truce—a claim Pakistan’s Foreign Office firmly rejected, stating its continued commitment to the ceasefire.
“Pakistan remains committed to the faithful implementation of the ceasefire announced earlier today,” the FO said in a late-night statement.
Reacting to the US-led diplomatic breakthrough, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation for Trump’s intervention. In a statement posted on X, the premier said, “I am confident that in President Trump, Pakistan has found a great partner who can reinvigorate our strategic partnership and strengthen Pakistan-US ties—not only in trade and investment but in all other areas of cooperation.”
He lauded Trump’s “pathbreaking leadership and commitment to global peace,” and welcomed the US offer to play a greater role in securing lasting peace in South Asia.
As the situation remains fluid, observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire holds—and whether Trump’s proposed diplomatic engagement on Kashmir materializes into a broader peace initiative.
