Monitoring Desk
The United States has called for renewed direct talks between Pakistan and India, following a ceasefire reportedly brokered with the help of US President Donald Trump after a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, President Trump portrayed himself as a mediator in the breakthrough. “I said, ‘Fellas, come on, let’s make a deal. Let’s do some trading — not nuclear missiles, but the beautiful things you make,’” Trump told the audience, without specifying which leaders he had spoken to or when. He jokingly suggested that Indian and Pakistani leaders “go out and have a nice dinner together,” while addressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Hours later, the US State Department reinforced Trump’s message. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Piggott told reporters in Washington: “We welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan this weekend and commend both prime ministers for choosing the path of peace. We are now focused on encouraging direct communication between the two countries.”
Piggott sidestepped questions about whether Pakistan had made any pledges on terrorism — an issue frequently raised by India — and also refrained from commenting on India’s apparent resistance to outside mediation. “We continue to encourage direct communication. The president has made that clear,” he said.
On media reports alleging radiation leaks at secure nuclear facilities in Pakistan, Piggott said, “I have nothing to preview on that at this time.”
When asked if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tone and statements were disappointing for Washington, the spokesperson reiterated the US position: “We’re happy to see a ceasefire. That’s where our focus remains.”
Asked whether President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for de-escalating tensions in South Asia, Piggott responded: “The president is a peacemaker and a dealmaker. He stands ready to help where he can.”
Islamabad has rejected India’s claims of Pakistani aggression during the recent clashes and insists that the ceasefire was facilitated through diplomatic channels by several friendly countries. The Pakistani Foreign Office has accused India of fabricating narratives for political gain and warned that any future aggression would be met with full resolve.
The first contact between Pakistan and Indian military operations heads post-ceasefire has led to a preliminary agreement on reducing troop deployments along the international border. Further technical-level talks are expected in the coming days to work out operational details.
