US President Donald Trump raised issue of “explosive” situation in Kashmir, saying it is a “very complicated place”. He said religion was one of the main reasons for uneasy ties between India and Pakistan.
“Kashmir is a very complicated place. You have Hindus and you have the Muslims and I wouldn’t say they get along so great,” Mr Trump told reporters in the White House. “I will do the best I can to mediate,” he said. “…you have two counties that haven’t gotten along well for a long time and frankly, it’s a very explosive situation,” he told to reporters in white house .
The US President – who has previously spoken of his willingness to mediate – indicated that he would raise the matter over the weekend with PM Modi. The two leaders are expected in France for a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) industralised nations.
“I think we’re helping the situation. But there’s tremendous problems between those two countries, as you know. And I will do the best I can to mediate or do something,” Mr Trump said. “Great relationship with both of them, but they are not exactly friends at this moment. Complicated situation. A lot has to do with religion. Religion is a complicated subject,” the US President said.
Donald Trump had recently offered to mediate on Kashmir if India and Pakistan agreed. During a joint media appearance with Imran Khan at the White House last month, he also stunned India by saying that PM Modi sought his “mediation” on the Kashmir issue – a claim India denied.
On Monday, Mr Trump spoke on the phone with his “two good friends” – PM Modi and Imran Khan – and urged them to work towards reducing tensions over Kashmir. He also advised Pakistan to “moderate its rhetoric with India” over Kashmir.
