Spoke to my two good friends: Donald Trump tweets ‘tough situation’ in Kashmir

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the situation in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 ‘tough’. This came after Trump held a telephonic conversation with Pakistan PM Imran Khan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. In a tweet, Trump wrote: “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! (sic).”

On Monday, according to a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Modi had a 30-minute-long telephonic conversation with Trump during which they discussed bilateral and regional issues. The conversation was marked by the "warmth and cordiality" which characterises the relations between the two leaders, it said.

In the context of the regional situation, Modi stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace, the release said.

“The Prime Minister stated that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace. He highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception,” the statement added.

Modi also highlighted the importance of creating an environment free from terror and violence and eschewing cross-border terrorism without exception.

"The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to cooperate with anyone who followed this path, in fighting poverty, illiteracy and disease," it added.

Following the conversation with PM Modi, urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to “moderate rhetoric” with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in an effort to reduce tensions. “Trump spoke by telephone with Khan to discuss the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

During the conversation, Trump “reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint” on both sides, the White House said.

The two leaders also agreed to work towards strengthening US-Pakistan economic and trade cooperation, it added.