Trump calls up Modi & Imran, urges for lowering bilateral tensions

President Donald Trump has spoken with India’s prime minister about the importance of reducing tensions between India and Pakistan amid growing tensions in the region.

Pakistan said on Monday that Indian troops have fired across the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region, killing two civilians and wounding another.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley says Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the importance of maintaining peace in the region.

Donald Trump talked to both Indian PM Narendra Modi and Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Monday about the need to reduce tensions over Kashmir and avoid steps that might escalate the crisis.

Trump also tweeted that he had ‘good conversations’ with both leaders.

Spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, Strategic Partnerships and, most importantly, for India and Pakistan to work towards reducing tensions in Kashmir. A tough situation, but good conversations!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2019

“Spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, Strategic Partnerships and, most importantly, for India and Pakistan to work towards reducing tensions in Kashmir,” Trump said in his tweet. “A tough situation, but good conversations!”

Pakistan and India have fought two wars over control of Kashmir since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947.

Pakistan and Indian often exchange fire in the Himalayan region, but tensions have increased since Aug. 5, when New Delhi downgraded the autonomy of Muslim-majority Kashmir.

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir lifted some security restrictions Monday in the main city of Srinagar after a nearly two-week security crackdown and news blackout.