US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged the de-escalation of the conflict between India and Pakistan in immediate phone talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The telephonic exchanges come at a time when both countries are witnessing increased conflict, with Pakistan conducting missile and drone attacks on several Indian cities including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the negotiations, underscoring Rubio’s firm focus on lessening hostilities. The Secretary conveyed condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that resulted in several deaths, and reiterated the US’s resolve to support India in its battle against terrorism.
The dialogue mirrors the global anxiety regarding the surging border violence, with world powers appealing to both nations to value peace and diplomacy above further conflict.
