The White House says President Donald Trump has spoken by telephone with Pakistan's prime minister, Imran Khan, on the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India.

Earlier in the day, the White House said Trump had a similar call with India's prime minister over the situation in Kashmir.

Also Read: PM Modi talks to Donald Trump on phone; Says extreme rhetoric against India by some regional leaders not good for peace

White House spokesman Judd Deere says the president "reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint on both sides."

Pakistan and India have fought two wars over control of Kashmir since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947.

Tensions have increased since Aug. 5, when New Delhi downgraded the autonomy of Muslim-majority Kashmir.

The White House says Trump and Khan also agreed to work together to strengthen cooperation on trade.