JAMMU, MAY 11 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday offered to work with India and Pakistan to find a resolution to the Kashmir dispute, a day after brokering a surprise ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed rivals following four days of military hostilities.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump praised the “strong and unwaveringly powerful leadership” of both nations, saying their decision to halt aggression prevented large-scale loss of life. He said the U.S. was proud to have facilitated the deal and proposed increased trade with both countries as well as assistance on Kashmir — a sensitive issue on which India has repeatedly rejected third-party involvement.
“While not even discussed, I am going to increase trade, substantially, with both of these great Nations. Additionally, I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir,” Trump posted.
India has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s mediation offer. New Delhi has historically maintained that Kashmir is an internal matter and has opposed any external intervention.
The ceasefire agreement, announced on Saturday, came hours after intense cross-border exchanges and Indian strikes on military targets in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to an April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the assault, a charge denied by Islamabad.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the ceasefire was agreed upon during a call initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on Saturday afternoon. Both sides agreed to halt military action on land, air, and sea from 5 p.m. IST. Misri said the DGMOs would speak again on May 12.
However, hours after the ceasefire took effect, Indian authorities reported fresh violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Misri condemned the “border intrusion” and held Islamabad responsible, warning of retaliatory action.
“The Indian Army is retaliating and dealing with this border intrusion. This intrusion is extremely condemnable and Pakistan is responsible for it,” he said.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the ceasefire but reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism. “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so,” he posted on X.
Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the ceasefire and praised the U.S. for facilitating it. Sharif expressed hope that the agreement could pave the way for broader peace in the region.
“We believe this marks a new beginning in the resolution of issues that have plagued the region and prevented its journey toward peace, prosperity and stability,” Sharif posted on X.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged in extensive talks with leaders from both nations, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, and their respective national security and defence officials.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. At least 20 civilians have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir due to shelling since May 7. India’s armed forces said they would observe the ceasefire but remained on high alert.
“Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength and every future escalation will invite a decisive response,” said a joint statement by India’s military leadership.
The Chenab Times was among the first outlets to report the ceasefire on Saturday in a breaking video bulletin.
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