Washington DC, May 8: The United States has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions immediately and avoid further conflict. Pakistan on Thursday launched a series of attacks on Indian cities using drones and missiles, however, the Indian defence systems intercepted around eight missiles and several drones. Indian Armed Forces also shot down three Pakistani fighter jets.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as confirmed by US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
During his conversation with Minister Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio called for immediate de-escalation and said that the US supports direct talks between India and Pakistan. He also expressed condolences for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed several civilians. He assured India that the US stands with it in the fight against terrorism.
In a press release, the U.S. Department of State said, "Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism."
In a separate call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio again stressed the importance of calming the situation. He said that the US encourages both countries to keep communication open and avoid any misunderstanding.
Rubio also expressed sorrow over reports of civilian deaths during the recent conflict. He repeated the US call for Pakistan to take real steps to stop any support for terrorist groups.
The department said in a press release, "Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism."
The US has made it clear that it wants both nations to show restraint and talk directly to resolve their differences.
