Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and urged both countries to de-escalate the situation immediately. The call followed Pakistan’s missile and drone attacks on Indian cities, which India countered with advanced defence systems and the downing of three Pakistani fighter jets.
Rubio Offers US Support, Condemns Pahalgam Attack
During the conversation, Secretary Rubio voiced strong US support for India’s fight against terrorism. He expressed sorrow over the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed several civilians and assured Jaishankar that Washington stood firmly with New Delhi.
“Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications,” said the US State Department in an official release.
“The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” the statement added.
US Urges Pakistan to Act, Keep Lines of Communication Open
Secretary Rubio also held a separate phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where he repeated calls for restraint. He urged Islamabad to avoid further conflict and maintain diplomatic channels with India to prevent misunderstandings.
Rubio acknowledged reports of civilian casualties during the strikes and called on Pakistan to take tangible steps to stop any support for terrorist groups.
“The US has made it clear that it wants both nations to show restraint and talk directly to resolve their differences,” the State Department noted.
