In a statement from the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of de-escalation and advocated for direct dialogue during separate conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday. The fear of heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors has increased following India’s recent military strike in retaliation for an attack in Indian Kashmir. Rubio called for immediate de-escalation and expressed support for communication improvement between India and Pakistan. President Donald Trump has voiced his desire for an end to the back-and-forth strikes and offered assistance, although formal mediation has not been proposed by Washington. Rubio’s diplomatic efforts were evident in tailored messages to each side, with a commitment to combat terrorism expressed to India and condolences for civilian casualties conveyed to Pakistan.
