US Urges India and Pakistan to Ease Tensions

The U.S. Secretary of State has appealed to both India and Pakistan to collaborate in de-escalating tensions following the recent militant assault in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as stated by the State Department on Wednesday.

The Secretary held individual discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the same day. The State Department’s statements following these conversations indicated that the Secretary also pressed Pakistan to assist in the investigation of the attack, which resulted in over two dozen fatalities.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce conveyed, “The Secretary emphasized the necessity of condemning the terror incident that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam.”
“Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.”

The Secretary encouraged officials in Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into what he termed an unconscionable act. Bruce further added that the Secretary also prompted Pakistan to engage with India to alleviate tensions, re-establish direct lines of communication, and foster peace and security within South Asia.

Previously, Pakistan released its own communication regarding the high-level discussions, stating that Prime Minister Shehbaz received a call from the Secretary, during which he conveyed Pakistan’s viewpoint on the latest developments in South Asia following the Pahalgam incident.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz, while denouncing terrorism in all manifestations, underscored Pakistan’s prominent role in the counter-terrorism effort, noting the country’s sacrifices of over 90,000 lives and economic setbacks exceeding $152 billion.

Describing India’s recent actions as “escalatory and provocative,” PM Shehbaz expressed deep disappointment and cautioned that they could divert Pakistan from its anti-terrorism endeavors, particularly against groups such as ISKP (Daesh), TTP, and BLA, allegedly operating from within Afghan territory.

He firmly refuted India’s attempts to connect Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident and reiterated his demand for an impartial, credible, and transparent investigation.

He urged the United States to encourage India to moderate its rhetoric and act responsibly.

The Prime Minister also voiced concerns regarding India’s actions concerning water rights, lamenting India’s “weaponization” of water—a critical resource for 240 million Pakistanis. He highlighted that the Indus Waters Treaty prohibits either nation from unilaterally withdrawing from its obligations.

He concluded by emphasizing that a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue is the only path to ensuring enduring peace in the region.

The Secretary expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz for the thorough discussion and underscored the significance of both countries’ continued pursuit of peace and stability in South Asia.

Later, the Secretary also had a conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Bruce mentioned in another statement.

“The Secretary expressed sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism,” she stated.

The spokesperson further added, “He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.”