New York/Washington, May 11 — Former US President Donald Trump on Sunday lauded the leadership of India and Pakistan for reaching a ceasefire agreement, describing it as a "historic and heroic" decision, while also offering to assist both nations in finding a long-term solution to the Kashmir issue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "I will work with you both to see if, after a ‘thousand years,’ a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir. God Bless the leadership of India and Pakistan on a job well done!!!"
His remarks came hours after India and Pakistan agreed to halt all military operations across land, air, and sea, effective from 5 PM (IST) on Saturday. The agreement followed high-level engagements involving both nations and US officials.
India Maintains that Kashmir is a Bilateral Issue
India reiterated its long-standing position that the Kashmir issue is strictly a bilateral matter, asserting that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. India has consistently rejected any third-party intervention in the matter.Trump Commends Leadership, US Role
Trump praised the "strong and unwaveringly powerful" leadership in both India and Pakistan, crediting them with choosing dialogue over conflict. "Millions of good and innocent people could have died! Your legacy is greatly enhanced by your brave actions," he said, emphasizing that the United States had played a supportive role in achieving this outcome.He further added that although not previously discussed, he intends to “increase trade substantially with both of these great Nations.”
Pakistan Welcomes US Support
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement on Sunday appreciating Trump’s "willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute."High-Level Talks Led to Ceasefire
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the ceasefire agreement was reached between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. The decision followed recent military escalations, including Indian strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Vice President J D Vance and he had been in constant communication with top officials from both countries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and their respective national security and foreign affairs heads.
“I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,” Rubio stated.
Vice President Vance also acknowledged the leadership on both sides, saying, “Great work from the President’s team... and my gratitude to the leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire.”
US Political Figures Applaud Ceasefire Efforts
Several members of the Trump administration hailed the development. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called it a milestone, stating, “The golden age is coming and it starts with peace throughout the world.”Mike Waltz, former national security advisor and Trump’s pick for US Ambassador to the United Nations, echoed the sentiment. “It won’t be easy, there will be violations and much work to be done, but another step in President Trump’s commitment to peace.”
The US House Committee on Foreign Affairs labeled Trump the “President of Peace,” while far-right political activist Laura Loomer asserted that Trump "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize" for his diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan.
As the region cautiously welcomes the ceasefire, the international community watches closely for the next steps in what Trump hopes could be a lasting peace initiative.