US President Donald Trump calls Kashmir attack “a bad one,” expresses concern over India-Pakistan tensions but believes both sides will resolve the crisis.
Washington, DC, April 26:
US President Donald Trump strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it “a bad one” during a media interaction aboard Air Force One. The April 22 attack killed 26 individuals—25 Indian citizens and one Nepali tourist—and left many injured after gunmen opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadow area.
Speaking on the broader implications, Trump said, “I am very close to India and I’m very close to Pakistan… they’ve had that fight for a thousand years in Kashmir. That (terrorist attack) was a bad one, over 30 people.”
While acknowledging the deep-rooted conflict between India and Pakistan, Trump said he remains hopeful that both nations will manage the situation diplomatically. “There’s great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been. I’m sure they’ll get it figured out one way or the other,” he added.
The attack triggered immediate retaliatory measures from the Indian government, including the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, and an order for Pakistani visitors to leave within 40 hours. Diplomatic staffing in both countries’ High Commissions was also reduced.
Significantly, India announced a halt to the Indus Waters Treaty—a cornerstone agreement on water sharing between the two countries since 1960. Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty has withstood decades of hostilities and ensured cooperation on river resources, but its future now hangs in the balance.
The White House’s response, framed by Trump’s comments, underscores Washington’s continued interest in South Asian stability while refraining from direct intervention.