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Trump Calls for Urgent De-escalation in India-Pakistan Standoff
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise in the wake of Operation Sindoor and escalating cross-border hostilities, the White House has reiterated President Donald Trump’s desire for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict. Addressing a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the U.S. administration is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
“This is something that the Secretary of State and now our NSA as well, Marco Rubio, has been involved in. The President has expressed that he wants this to de-escalate as quickly as possible. He understands these two countries have been at odds with one another for decades, long before President Trump was here at the Oval Office. However, he has good relations with the leaders of both countries,” Leavitt said.
Marco Rubio Leading Backchannel Talks
National Security Advisor Marco Rubio and Secretary of State have been in direct contact with the leadership of both India and Pakistan, according to the White House. The administration is reportedly leveraging existing diplomatic channels to urge both sides to refrain from further military escalation and to pursue dialogue.
Rubio has maintained continuous communication with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s diplomatic officials, urging restraint while acknowledging India’s right to self-defense after terror attacks in Pahalgam.
US Maintains Strategic Balance
President Trump’s administration has emphasized a neutral but supportive role, citing good personal equations with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani leadership. The U.S. has not publicly taken sides but has condemned acts of terrorism while encouraging restraint from both governments.
While American mediation efforts are ongoing, Washington has stopped short of proposing a formal intervention or ceasefire agreement, instead focusing on behind-the-scenes diplomacy to cool tempers and avoid full-scale war between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
The White House’s comments come at a time when drone incursions, missile strikes, and military mobilisation have raised fears of broader regional destabilisation. India has made it clear that its operations are targeted against terror infrastructure, while Pakistan continues to seek international attention toward the conflict.
