Trump Reiterates Mediation Offer On Jammu & Kashmir; Says India-Pak Tensions Less Heated Now

While talking to reporters ahead of a campaign rally, Trump said that India and Pakistan are having a conflict over Kashmir, and it is less heated now than it was two weeks ago.

Donald Trump. (PTI)

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his proposal of mediation between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, while maintaining that tensions between the two countries are less heated as compared to situation two weeks ago. While talking to reporters ahead of a campaign rally, Trump said that India and Pakistan are having a conflict over Kashmir, and it is less heated now than it was two weeks ago. He then added, “I am willing to help them. I get along with both the countries very well. I am willing to help them if they want to.” Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after India’s decision of abrogating Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. Last month, Trump had triggered a huge row US, as he claimed during his meeting with Pakistan Premier Imran Khan that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested him to mediate in the Kashmir dispute.   The Ministry of External Affairs rejected Trump's remarks, saying it has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Later in the month, during his meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of G7 Summit, Trump made a total climb-down from the time when he had made a startling claim that Modi has asked him to mediate on Kashmir. Trump had said he felt that both India and Pakistan can resolve the Kashmir problem on their own.