Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to significantly expand trade relations with both India and Pakistan in the wake of a newly established ceasefire between the long-standing rival nations.
In a statement posted Saturday on Truth Social, Trump praised the leadership of both countries for agreeing to halt hostilities and indicated his intent to deepen economic ties.
“Though it wasn’t even on the table, I plan to substantially grow trade with both of these remarkable nations,” Trump said. “I also hope to support efforts to find a long-term resolution to the Kashmir issue, even after what feels like a thousand years of conflict. Kudos to the leaders of India and Pakistan for a job well done!”
The ceasefire came after several days of fierce clashes that left dozens dead, as both sides launched missiles and drones across the disputed border. While the truce was still fragile on Sunday, the fighting had largely subsided, though artillery fire was reported in Indian-controlled Kashmir shortly after the agreement was reached.
Border towns experienced temporary blackouts during nighttime shelling, similar to the pattern seen over the previous two nights.
The recent escalation began on Wednesday, triggered by the killing of 26 people—mostly Hindu civilians—in Pahalgam, a town in Kashmir. The region, claimed in full by both nations but divided in control, has been a flashpoint for decades and a major source of tension.
Late Saturday, India accused Pakistan of breaching the ceasefire terms and ordered its forces to respond firmly to any future violations. Pakistan, for its part, denied wrongdoing and reiterated its commitment to the truce.
Trump also commented on the significance of the moment, calling the decision to halt military aggression a “historic and heroic” move.
“I commend the bold leadership shown by both countries in choosing peace over continued violence,” Trump said. “Millions of innocent lives were at stake. This was the right call, and I’m proud the United States could play a part in making it happen.”
By Sunday morning, relative calm had returned. In Amritsar, an Indian city near the border, sirens signaled the return to normal activity. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials confirmed minor overnight gunfire in Bhimber, but no casualties were reported and fighting had not resumed elsewhere.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since gaining independence, two of them over Kashmir. The latest ceasefire appears to be a tentative but hopeful step in reducing tensions.
