Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, former U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to help de-escalate the situation. Trump expressed concern over the rising conflict and stated his willingness to assist both countries in finding a peaceful resolution.
Trump, speaking on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, acknowledged the reports of Indian strikes and hoped that tensions would de-escalate swiftly. He said, "Oh, it's so terrible! My position is I get along with both. I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop, and hopefully, they can stop now. They've gone tit for tat, so hopefully, they can stop now". He further added, "But we get along with both countries very well—good relationships with both. And I want to see it stop,”. Trump also affirmed, "And if I can do anything to help, I will—I will be there".
The tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors surged after the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, for which India blamed Pakistan, alleging cross-border links. India responded with "Operation Sindoor," launching strikes on what it claimed were terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan, however, has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan's military reported that the Indian strikes killed at least 26 people, including women and children, and termed the strikes an "act of war". They also claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets. India is yet to respond to this claim.
The situation has prompted international concern, with the U.S. and China urging caution and the UN calling for de-escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed President Trump's sentiments, stating that he is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution.
The escalating conflict has led to cross-border firing, resulting in casualties on both sides. Pakistan said that 31 civilians were killed in India's strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. India, on the other hand, said that 13 people had been killed in cross-border attacks from Pakistan, including one soldier. The ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party said that at least nine people were killed while 33 others were injured due to the unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control (LoC).
Amid the heightened tensions, several airports in northern and northwestern India have been closed for passenger flights until May 10. Schools in border districts of Punjab and Rajasthan have also been shut down.
John Mearsheimer, an American foreign policy scholar, suggested that Trump might try to prevent an India-Pakistan war by offering India a lucrative economic incentive. He acknowledged the strong ties between the Trump administration and the Modi administration during Trump's presidency. Mearsheimer also warned that the India-Pakistan conflict is dangerously unstable and noted that the United States has historically intervened to de-escalate tensions.
