President Donald Trump has been shaking up how the United States does business in the world. But with the violence between Pakistan and India, Trump has marked a return to a traditional, and even cautious, diplomacy.
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The United States across successive administrations has sought to build ties with India and Trump voiced solidarity after suspected Islamist gunmen killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir, nearly all Hindus.
Trump did not criticise India after it carried out retaliatory strikes against Pakistan but has pleaded for a quick resolution.
“It’s so terrible,” Trump said on Wednesday. “I get along with both. I know both very well, and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop.”
India briefed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also interim national security adviser, on the overnight strikes.
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After the Kashmir attack, Rubio spoke to Pakistan’s prime minister to urge condemnation and cooperation but also asked India’s foreign minister to avoid escalation.