US President Donald Trump has downplayed concerns over mounting tensions between Pakistan and India, saying the dispute between the nuclear-armed neighbours will get "figured out, one way or another." Trump was asked aboard Air Force One about crumbling relations between India and Pakistan as the fallout deepens from a deadly attack on civilians by gunmen in Indian-occupied Kashmir. "There have been tensions on that border for 1,500 years so, you know, it's the same as it has been," Trump told reporters.

"But they'll get it figured out, one way or another." Kashmir has been divided between Pakistan India since their independence in 1947, with both claiming the territory in full but governing separate portions of it. Tensions have flared since Tuesday, when 26 male tourists were killed by gunmen in the Kashmir town of Pahalgam. A day after the attack, New Delhi suspended a water-sharing treaty, announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and withdrew visas for Pakistanis. 

Rejecting Indian allegations, Islamabad called attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack "frivolous" and vowed to respond to any Indian action.  Officials said Friday that there was an overnight exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces at the Line of Control. "There's great tension between Pakistan and India but there always has been," Trump said. 

Trump cited historical conflict in the disputed border region and said he knew both countries' leaders, but did not answer when asked whether he would contact them. Saudi Arabia is trying to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, after a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region, a senior Saudi official told AFP on Friday. "The Kingdom is undertaking efforts to prevent an escalation between India and Pakistan," the senior Saudi official said, on condition of anonymity. 

"The two countries are allies of Saudi Arabia and we do not want the situation to get out of control." Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has held separate phone calls with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts, his office said on Friday. During the discussions, he "reviewed developments in the situation and efforts made to ease tensions", it added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)