US Urges De-escalation as India, Pakistan Trade Cross-Border Strikes

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, calling for immediate de-escalation and direct dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The diplomatic outreach came in the wake of heightened military activity along the Line of Control, triggered by India’s recent cross-border offensive—Operation Sindoor—which targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed multiple lives, drawing global condemnation.

Following the Indian offensive, Pakistan retaliated by launching air strikes targeting key border areas in Jammu, including a reported attempt to strike the Jammu airport. According to ANI, India’s air defence systems swiftly intercepted at least eight incoming missiles over Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and the Arnia sector.

In an official statement, the US State Department noted: “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.”

Rubio also reportedly urged Pakistan to end any form of support to terrorist groups operating across the border—a longstanding point of contention in India-Pakistan relations.

Following the call, Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.”

While the situation remains fluid, global powers including the United States have stressed the importance of restraint and diplomatic engagement to avoid a full-blown conflict in the region.

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