U.S. President Donald Trump called the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan “a shame” after India launched strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in response to an April 22 Islamist militant attack that killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed concern, saying, “I just hope it ends very quickly.” He acknowledged the long-standing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, stating, “They’ve been fighting for a long time.” Pakistan confirmed it was preparing a military response to India’s actions, which took place late Tuesday U.S. time and early Wednesday in Asia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that he is closely monitoring the situation and affirmed America’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution. He also spoke with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, who briefed him on India’s military actions.
India, a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China, remains strategically important to Washington. While Pakistan continues to be an ally, its role has diminished since the 2021 U.S. exit from Afghanistan. The U.S. has urged both nations to de-escalate and find a responsible, diplomatic solution.
Following the April 22 attack, American officials expressed solidarity with India but refrained from directly blaming Pakistan. Islamabad denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation.
With the U.S. currently managing foreign policy challenges in Ukraine and Gaza, analysts noted Washington may initially leave India and Pakistan to resolve their dispute independently. Trump reiterated last month that the two nations will “figure it out one way or the other.”
The Kashmir region, a flashpoint between the two countries, remains disputed, with both India and Pakistan claiming full sovereignty and having fought multiple wars over it.