Washington, Sep 26 (KNS): A senior US State Department official has said that Kashmir remains a "direct issue" between India and Pakistan and the United States has no interest in asserting itself in the matter.

In a press briefing, the official said the US will continue its long-standing policy that India and Pakistan must address the issue directly. He added that President Donald Trump already has "enough crises on his hands" but would be ready to help if both countries ask.

The official underlined that the US will focus on an "America First" policy while dealing with India and Pakistan.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"We continue to see India and Pakistan separately, focusing on our own interests," he said.

He also echoed Trump’s earlier claim that the US played a role in helping reduce tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. However, India has rejected Trump’s remarks, maintaining that the ceasefire was achieved through direct talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries without US mediation. (KNS)