Trump pledges to seek lasting Kashmir solution as US brokers India-Pakistan ceasefire

In a dramatic diplomatic turn, President Donald Trump announced he would engage directly with both India and Pakistan to explore a long-term resolution to the Kashmir dispute, following the historic ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

The ceasefire, a critical breakthrough, came after intense negotiations and a night of talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The announcement, made by Trump on May 11 comes just a day after the US president took to social media, crediting the United States with successfully mediating the "full and immediate" ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Despite his earlier assertion that the two nations had reached a ceasefire after prolonged US intervention, Trump now pledges to work with both countries to address the Kashmir issue — a region that has been a flashpoint for violence and territorial conflict for decades.

“I will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” Trump posted on Truth Social, reaffirming his commitment to tackling the issue head-on. His comments mirror his previous 2019 stance, when he offered to mediate between the two countries, only to backtrack later.

Trump lauded the leadership of both nations, stating, “The strength, wisdom, and fortitude of India and Pakistan’s leaders were crucial in halting aggression that could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life.” He further celebrated the historic decision, adding, “Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions, and I am proud the USA played a role in this pivotal moment.”

In the wake of the ceasefire announcement, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both sides had agreed to halt all military actions on land, air, and sea as of 5 pm on May 10.

The ceasefire follows a deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which prompted a retaliatory strike by India and triggered four days of intense military engagement.

The United States’ involvement intensified after alarming intelligence surfaced, warning of a potential escalation in the conflict. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other top US officials were engaged in urgent deliberations, which led to diplomatic intervention. Vance personally spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a de-escalation of tensions.

Despite the US claiming credit for the ceasefire, India maintains that the understanding was reached through direct discussions between the two nations, with no third-party mediation. Indian officials emphasized that the framework for peace is rooted in the Simla Agreement of 1972, which mandates that both countries resolve their issues bilaterally, without foreign interference.

Pakistani officials, while confirming the ceasefire, expressed concerns about maintaining their sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly after India’s strikes deep inside Pakistani territory. Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed, “Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty.”

As both sides agreed to halt military actions, the international community, including China, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, closely monitored the development. In the wake of the ceasefire, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism, signaling that the country’s operations against terror will continue unabated.

While the immediate ceasefire is a significant step toward calming tensions, the long-term resolution of Kashmir remains elusive. Trump’s renewed offer to mediate could usher in new dynamics, but it remains to be seen whether it will lead to tangible progress in resolving one of the world’s most enduring and contentious conflicts.