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The world has begun to take note of the escalating tension between India and Pakistan and have urged the two neighbours to resolve the on- going tension. In his first reaction, United States President Donald Trump has reportedly described as a “horrible situation” the Pulwama terrorist attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, and said he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.
Trump told reporters at the Oval Office of White House that it would be “wonderful” if the two South Asia neighbours get along.
“I have watched. I have got a lot of reports on it. We will have comment (on it) at an appropriate time. It would be wonderful if they (India and Pakistan) get along,” he said in response to a question.
“That (the terrorist attack) was a horrible situation. We are getting reports. We will have a statement to put out,” Trump said.
Following the terrorist attack, his National Security Advisor, John Bolton, has supported India’s right to self-defense.
Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, Bolton, and the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders in separate statements have asked Pakistan to immediately take action against the JeM and its leaders and end support to terrorist safe haven.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to take “immediate steps” to deescalate tension.
“The Secretary General stresses the importance for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalation, and his good offices are always available should both sides ask,” the UN Chief’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here Tuesday at the daily press briefing.
Dujarric was asked about a meeting Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN has sought with the Secretary General and also about Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi saying the UN must step in to defuse tensions between the two nations.
“…Looking at the situation in general between India and Pakistan, we’re deeply concerned at the increase in tensions between the two countries in the wake of the attack on Indian security personnel on 14 February in Pulwama,” Dujrraic said.
