President Trump claims no need to mediate as Modi has Kashmir 'under control'

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he had no need to help mediate between Pakistan and India over tensions in the disputed region of Kashmir, because Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi feels he has the situation "under control". 

Trump had earlier this month said he was ready to step in as tensions rose between the nuclear-equipped rival nations over India's revocation of the semi-autonomous status of the Indian-administered part of Kashmir.

But at a meeting with Modi at the G7 in France, Trump said he saw no need to intervene as  "the prime minister really feels he has it under control".

"They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good," he said.

Modi's Hindu nationalist government scrapped the contested region's autonomy on 5 August, sparking harsh condemnation from Pakistani Premier Imran Khan and fears of escalated conflict between the two. 

Indian-controlled Kashmir remains largely under lockdown, as eyewitnesses report a heavy security and military presence amid a continuing crackdown on protest and communications.

Trump said he and Modi spoke about Kashmir "at great length" on Sunday.

"Excellent meeting with @POTUS @realDonaldTrump! We had useful discussions on bilateral matters," the Indian premier said in a tweet on Monday which did not mention Kashmir. "Looking forward to expand cooperation as large democracies for the benefit of our citizens and global peace and prosperity."

Stone-throwing protesters in Kashmir killed a driver of what they thought was a military truck, police said Monday, as the crippling security lockdown entered its fourth week.

India claim no civilian has died from police action since 5 August.

But residents have said three people have been killed, including a young mother who choked after police fired tear-gas canisters into her home.

Multiple hospital sources have told AFP at least 100 people had been hurt during the lockdown, some with firearm injuries.