"I stopped paying Pakistan the USD 1.3 billion that we were paying them. In the meantime, we may set up some meetings with Pakistan. Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other Presidents."
US President Donald Trump said India is looking at "something very strong" after last week's Pulwama terror attack, the responsibility for which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
"Right now between Pakistan and India, there is a very, very bad situation and it's a very dangerous situation. We would like to see it stop. A lot of people were just killed. We want to see it just stop. We are very much involved in that. India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people in the attack. I can understand that also," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday.
He also outlined that there are currently a "lot of problems between India and Pakistan" due to the terrorist attack, saying, "We're talking. A lot of people are talking. It’s going to be a very, very delicate balance. Right now there is a lot of problem between India and Pakistan because of what just happened in Kashmir."
The incumbent US President also brought attention to the cessation of payments - which amounted to USD 1.3 billion - to Pakistan.
"I stopped paying Pakistan the USD 1.3 billion that we were paying them. In the meantime, we may set up some meetings with Pakistan. Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other Presidents.
We were paying Pakistan USD 1.3 billion a year. I ended that payment because they were not helping us in a way they should have and honestly we've developed a much better relationship with Pakistan over the last short period of time than we have. I ended the payment about 9 months ago," Trump highlighted.
The US President's comments come at a time when there is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to stop harbouring terrorism on its soil.
The United States had, immediately after the February 14 terrorist attack, told Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terrorists.
1. 'Very very bad situation'
)
Describing the current situation between India and Pakistan as "very, very bad", US President Donald Trump Friday said his administration was in contact with both sides and hoped hostilities would soon end in the Valley.
"Right now between Pakistan and India, there is a very, very bad situation. A very dangerous situation. We would like to see it (hostilities) stop. A lot of people were just killed. We want to see it just stop. We are very much involved in that (process)," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office.
2. Trump on Pulwama
)
The US president was responding to questions on last week's terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 Indian security personnel were killed. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
3. India looking at something strong: Trump
)
"India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people in the attack. I can understand that too," Trump said, adding that his administration was talking to authorities in both countries.
"We're talking. A lot of people are. It's going to be a very, very delicate balance. There is a lot of problems between India and Pakistan because of what just happened," he said.
The president said the US has improved ties with Pakistan and works are on for meetings with Pakistan leaders and officials.
4. Stopped playing Pakistan
)
"I stopped paying Pakistan the USD 1.3-billion that we used to pay them. In the meantime, we may set up some meetings with Pakistan. Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other presidents. We were paying Pakistan USD 1.3 billion a year. I ended that payment, because they were not helping us in the way they should have," Trump said.
He said the United States' relation with Pakistan has developed in the last few months.
