'India's Approach Measured, Responsible': Jaishankar After US Offers 'Constructive Role' For Peace

Earlier today, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Source : PTI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following which he reiterated India's "measured and responsible" approach. 

Confirming their phone call, Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio spoke with Jaishankar and emphasised that both India and Pakistan need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication in order to avoid any miscalculation.

Earlier today, the US Secretary of State had proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes. His remarks come after he had a conversation with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir earlier on Friday (US local time).

According to the Department of State, "Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today. He continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States intends to ease tensions between India and Pakistan. She added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with leaders from both countries to help defuse the situation through diplomatic efforts.

"This is something that the secretary of state and of course now our national security adviser as well, Marco Rubio, has been very much involved in. The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible," she said.

Leavitt said that the conflict between India and Pakistan is an old one, and talks are underway to prevent further escalations.

Meanwhile, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, during a press briefing in New Delhi on Saturday, confirmed that the Pakistan Army is moving troops towards forward areas. She also stated that India is committed to non-escalation if Pakistan reciprocates.

"Pakistan Army has been observed to be moving its troops towards forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness, and all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded proportionately. Indian armed forces reiterated their commitment to non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates," Singh said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who was also present at the briefing, slammed Pakistan for spreading fake news, and called its claim that Indian missiles hit Afghanistan "completely ludicrous".