The United States has once again affirmed President Donald Trump’s willingness to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. However, the US has also stressed that the ultimate decision to accept such an offer rests solely with the two countries involved.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Timmy Bruce responded to a journalist’s question about President Trump’s stance on the matter. Bruce stated that while President Trump is genuinely open to offering assistance, it is “entirely up to the parties concerned whether to accept the offer or not.”
“Well, yes, this is – every country, as President Trump has stated, has a right to define its own future,” Bruce elaborated. “He offers his help, and it’s up to whoever he’s offering it to whether or not they’ll accept it.”
This statement comes amid renewed speculation regarding America’s role in South Asia. President Trump has previously offered to mediate on Kashmir multiple times, offers that India has consistently declined. New Delhi maintains that the issue must be resolved bilaterally with Pakistan, adhering to the Simla Agreement of 1972.
Bruce lauded President Trump’s dedication to peace efforts, remarking, “We live in a fascinating, exciting time where we’ve got a man who can make the difference, and he’s generous about making that difference.”
She further clarified that while the US is prepared to support peace initiatives, it will not interfere in the sovereign decision-making processes of other nations. “I would not 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.”
This reiteration underscores the US position of offering facilitation while respecting the sovereign choices of India and Pakistan on how they choose to resolve the Kashmir dispute.
