As the tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate following the Pahalgam terror attack last week that claimed 26 lives, the US has encouraged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday dialed External Affairs minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reaffirm US's commitment to cooperate with Delhi against terrorism and urging Islamabad’s cooperation in investigating the “unconscionable" Pahalgam terror attack.
Rubio Urges De-Escalation Of Tensions
Rubio, in his call with Jaishankar, expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific" Pahalgam terrorist attack that had killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
He "reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia," a statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
Follwoing his conversation with Rubio, Jaishankar said in a post on X: "Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US Secretary Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice."
What Rubio Told Sharif
Meanwhile, in his conversation with Sharif, Rubio talked about the need to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, urging cooperation from Pakistani officials in investigating "this unconscionable attack." He also encouraged Pakistan to work alongside India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia.
Rubio and Sharif "reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence."
The development came after US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press briefing earlier on Tuesday that Washington is reaching out to both India and Pakistan "regarding the Kashmir situation" and to urge them "not to escalate the situation".
A press release by the Pakistan PM's Office noted that Sharif briefed Rubio on Pakistan’s stance on the recent developments in South Asia after the Pahalgam terror attack. Sharif, in the release, stressed Pakistan's "significant contributions" in the fight against terrorism, claiming that the country has "sacrificed over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding USD 152 billion".
Sharif also rejected India’s claim of linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack and reiterated a call for an impartial investigation.
(With inputs from news agency PTI)