Marco Rubio dials S Jaishankar, Pak PM: India and Pak should de-escalate tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amid rising tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.

During his conversation with Dr Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the victims and their families.

He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working with India in the global fight against terrorism. Additionally, he encouraged both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and promoting peace and stability in South Asia, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Rubio also spoke with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and discussed the situation. According to a press release from the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif briefed the US Secretary of State on Pakistan’s perspective regarding recent developments in South Asia.

During the conversation, Sharif accused India of engaging in “escalatory and provocative behavior,” amid growing concerns over a potential escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. “India’s provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from militant groups,” news agency AFP quoted Sharif as saying.