US shifts stance, says India, Pak need to have direct communication

Commenting on developments between India and Pakistan, the US State Department has said that “both sides” need to engage in “direct communication” to preserve regional stability.

This marks a shift in the US’s public stance since May 10, when President Donald Trump posted on X to announce a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, saying: “After a long night of talks mediated by the US, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.”

He had further added: “I am pleased to announce the governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.”

On Tuesday, Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US State Department, was asked at a media briefing in Washington DC, about India’s rejection of any US mediation effort. Asked how hopeful the US was of bringing both sides together for talks, Pigott replied: “I’m not going to speculate on that. We encourage direct communication. We have been clear on that. We continue to encourage that direct communication.”

He also cited Trump, saying: “The President has been clear in praising both Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan for choosing the path towards peace and the wisdom and fortitude that that shows.”

Pigott’s remarks come against the backdrop of India reiterating, on May 11, that there would be no third-party mediation. On Monday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing: “We have a longstanding position that all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed.”