US Calls for De-escalation Between India and Pakistan

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has urged both India and Pakistan to collaborate in easing tensions following the recent militant assault in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This appeal was communicated by the State Department on Wednesday.

Secretary Rubio engaged in separate discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday. The State Department’s subsequent statements revealed that Rubio also pressed Pakistan to assist in the investigation of the attack that resulted in over two dozen fatalities.

Tammy Bruce, the State Department spokesperson, stated, “The Secretary emphasized the importance of condemning the terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam.”

She added, “Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to ensuring that terrorists are held accountable for their abhorrent acts of violence.”

Secretary Rubio appealed to Pakistani authorities to offer complete cooperation in probing what he termed an indefensible attack. Bruce further noted that he encouraged Pakistan to collaborate with India to lower tensions, re-establish direct lines of communication, and foster peace and security within South Asia.

Earlier, Pakistan released its own account of the high-level interaction, indicating that Prime Minister Shehbaz received a call from Secretary Rubio. During the call, the Prime Minister shared Pakistan’s viewpoint on the latest developments in South Asia after the Pahalgam incident.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement noting that while condemning terrorism in all manifestations, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s crucial role in the counter-terrorism efforts, highlighting the nation’s sacrifice of over 90,000 lives and economic losses exceeding $152 billion.

PM Shehbaz characterized India’s recent actions as “escalatory and provocative,” expressing deep disappointment and cautioning that they could divert Pakistan’s focus from its anti-terrorism endeavors, particularly against groups such as ISKP (Daesh), TTP, and BLA, which operate from Afghan territory.

He firmly dismissed India’s attempts to connect Pakistan with the Pahalgam attack and reiterated his plea for an impartial, reliable, and transparent inquiry.

He entreated the United States to urge India to moderate its rhetoric and act responsibly.

The Prime Minister also voiced concerns over India’s actions concerning water rights, lamenting India’s “weaponisation” of water—a critical resource for 240 million Pakistanis. He underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty forbids either nation from unilaterally withdrawing from its commitments.

In closing, he asserted that a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains the singular path to securing enduring peace in the region.

Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz for the comprehensive discussion and highlighted the significance of both nations’ continued efforts towards peace and stability in South Asia.

Subsequently, Secretary Rubio also conducted a phone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, according to Bruce.

She conveyed that “The Secretary expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the appalling terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to collaborating with India against terrorism.”

The spokesperson further stated, “He also urged India to work alongside Pakistan to reduce tensions and uphold peace and security in South Asia.”