Amid growing hostilities between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, the United States has stepped in to de-escalate tensions, even as it reaffirmed support for India’s counter-terror efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held crucial phone calls on Wednesday with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both nations to pursue peace and cooperation amid a dangerous standoff between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
US Backs India on Terror Fight, Urges Caution
Rubio expressed deep condolences to India over the Pahalgam attack, describing it as an “unconscionable act of violence.” According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the Secretary reaffirmed America’s unwavering commitment to cooperate with India in fighting terrorism.
“Secretary Rubio expressed sorrow for the lives lost in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism,” said Bruce, while also stating that Rubio urged caution amid India’s allegations that Pakistan-backed groups orchestrated the attack.
India has blamed the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy group The Resistance Front (TRF) for the attack, while Pakistan has denied involvement, calling for a neutral international probe.
ALSO READ: Is Chenab drying up in Pakistan after IWT suspension? BJP MP shares images
Jaishankar Demands Justice for Attackers
Following the call, Dr Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
His remarks underline India’s firm stand to hold accountable all those allegedly involved — directly or indirectly — in the Pahalgam killings.
Rubio to Pakistan: Cooperate in Terror Probe
In his separate call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio urged Islamabad to unequivocally condemn the attack and to cooperate fully in an international investigation. He also asked both sides to re-establish direct communications, avoid further military escalation, and maintain regional peace.
“The Secretary urged Pakistani officials’ cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack,” said the US State Department, adding that both Sharif and Rubio agreed on the need to hold terrorists accountable.
Diplomatic Fallout: India, Pakistan Take Aggressive Steps
India has already responded with sweeping diplomatic and strategic countermeasures:
- Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement since 1960.
- Revoked visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
- Closed the Wagah-Attari land border.
- Downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad.
ALSO READ: ‘Foundation stone of a new Babri mosque in Ayodhya will be laid by Pakistan army soldiers’: Pak MP
Meanwhile, Pakistan retaliated by:
- Shutting its airspace to Indian airlines.
- Exchanging cross-border fire along the Line of Control (LoC) for the seventh consecutive night.
- Warning that an Indian military incursion may be imminent.
A Delicate Balancing Act for Washington
While the US has shown open solidarity with New Delhi, it has stopped short of publicly criticising Pakistan, signalling its desire to balance regional diplomacy. India’s strategic importance to Washington has grown amid rising tensions with China, while Pakistan remains a security partner, albeit less critical since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
