US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reiterated his offer to mediate the “explosive” situation in Kashmir, long a flashpoint between nuclear armed India and Pakistan.
The remarks came a day after Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan over phone, asking the latter to “moderate” the rhetoric against New Delhi over the issue.
"Kashmir is a very complicated place. You have Hindus and you have the Muslims and I wouldn't say they get along so great," Trump told reporters.
"I will do the best I can to mediate," he said.
Trump also said he would discuss the tense situation in Kashmir with Indian PM Modi when they meet at the G7 Summit in France during this weekend.
Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after India abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Pakistan.
India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.
Trump said that there are "tremendous problems" between the two countries and offered to do the best, including mediate or anything.
"I will do the best I can to mediate or do something. (I have) great relationship with both of them, but they (India and Pakistan) are not exactly friends at this moment," Trump said.
New Delhi has made it clear to the US that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and there was no role for a third party.
"Frankly, it's a very explosive situation. I spoke to Prime Minister Khan yesterday also with Prime Minister Modi. They're both friends of mine. They're great people. They're great people, and they love their country," Trump said.
Trump said the tensed situation also has a lot to do with religion.
"It's a complicated situation. A lot has to do with religion. Religion is a complicated subject," he said.
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