The United States has reaffirmed President Donald Trump's willingness to mediate between India and Pakistan over the long-standing Kashmir dispute, but emphasized that the final decision rests with the two countries involved.
Responding to a question from a journalist during a press briefing on Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Timmy Bruce said that while President Trump is open to offering help, 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 said. “He offers his help, and it’s up to whoever he’s offering it to whether or not they’ll accept it.”
The statement comes amid renewed speculation over America’s role in South Asia, particularly after Trump previously offered to mediate on Kashmir several times -- offers that India has consistently declined, maintaining that the issue must be resolved bilaterally with Pakistan.
Bruce praised President Trump’s efforts toward peace, saying, “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 added that while the US is willing to support peace efforts, it will not interfere in the sovereign decision-making 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.”
