On Monday, giving an indication that India was supposedly interested in peace talks over Kashmir, US President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on the Kashmir issue. Trump said this while speaking to reporters before holding talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on his maiden visit to Washington.India has since denied that any such request was made.Also read: Trump Says Modi Asked Him to Mediate in Kashmir Issue, India Denies Making RequestThe following are the transcripts of the remarks made by Imran Khan and Donald Trump:Imran Khan: I will be asking President Trump. It is the most powerful country in the world, the United States. It can play the most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent. there are over a billion, a billion and quarter people in the subcontinent. They are held hostage to the issue of Kashmir and I feel that only the most powerful state, headed by President Trump can bring the two countries together. From my point, I can tell you that we have tried our best. We have made all overtures to India to start dialogue, resolve our differences, but unfortunately have not made headway as yet.USA is most powerful country in world & it can play a very important role for peace in subcontinent. Over a billion people at moment are held hostage to Kashmir situation & I believe that @realDonaldTrump can bring two countries together: Prime Minister Imran Khan #KhanMeetsTrump pic.twitter.com/M2dFxS2VvH— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) July 22, 2019Donald Trump: So I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? I said, where? He said Kashmir. Because this has been going on for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on.Imran Khan: Seventy years.Donald Trump: I think they would like to see it resolved. I think you would like to see it resolved and if I can help, I would love to be a mediator. It is impossible to believe that two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can’t solve it.. but if you want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do it.Imran Khan: Mr President, I can tell you right now that you would have the prayers of a billion people if you can mediate and resolve the issue.Donald Trump: It should be resolved. So it — but he asked me the same, so I think there’s something. So maybe we will speak to him or I will speak to him and we will see what we can do. Because I have heard so much about Kashmir. It is such a beautiful name. Supposed to be such a beautiful part of the world.. but right now, there are just bombs all over the place.. There is a terrible situation going for many years. If I can do anything, let me know.
