Washington, May 16, 2025: The United States has welcomed the recently agreed ceasefire between Pakistan and India, calling it a positive development and urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to pursue direct talks to resolve longstanding issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute.
In a press briefing, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized the Donald Trump administration’s support for bilateral engagement, while praising the restraint shown by both sides during a period of heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).
“The president is a peacemaker, and we celebrate the advancement of peace,” Pigott said. “We want to encourage and see direct talks between the parties.”
While acknowledging the ceasefire was facilitated with quiet diplomatic support from Washington and international partners, Pigott clarified that the US does not seek to mediate the Kashmir conflict directly. “We’ve been clear on that. What we’re happy to see is a ceasefire. That’s where our focus remains,” he noted.
Pigott added that both countries must “take a step back” to reduce regional tensions, reaffirming that the US would continue to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue.
He also conveyed President Donald Trump’s appreciation for the leadership of both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. “We commend the leadership of both countries for choosing diplomacy over aggression,” Pigott remarked.
The ceasefire comes after months of cross-border skirmishes and elevated military rhetoric, which had raised concerns over potential escalation. Observers view the agreement as a rare diplomatic thaw and a window of opportunity for renewing dialogue on issues that have long plagued bilateral ties — most notably Kashmir.
While Pakistan has consistently advocated for third-party mediation, India has held that all issues, including Kashmir, should be resolved bilaterally — a position the United States appears to continue endorsing.
Pigott concluded by underscoring that maintaining the ceasefire and fostering direct diplomacy remain key objectives for the US. “We hope to see this ceasefire maintained, and we’ll continue working with both sides to encourage peace,” he said.
