‘De-escalate tensions’: What Marco Rubio told Jaishankar, Pak PM over phone
Jaishankar emphasised to Rubio that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack — its perpetrators, financiers, and planners — must be brought to justice
The United States has urged India and Pakistan to reduce tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio holding separate phone calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to stress the importance of preventing further escalation.
During his conversation with Jaishankar on Wednesday night (April 30), Rubio conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives in the “horrific” attack and reaffirmed the US' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism, according to the US State Department.
In his call with Sharif, Rubio urged Islamabad’s cooperation in investigating the “unconscionable” attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.
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India demands justice
Jaishankar, on his part, emphasised to Rubio that those responsible for the Pahalgam attack — its perpetrators, financiers, and planners — must be brought to justice.
“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers, and planners must be brought to justice,” Jaishankar stated on X on Thursday (May 1).
The Jaishankar-Rubio call came amid speculation over a potential Indian response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, especially in view of its cross-border linkages.
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US urges calm
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Secretary Rubio expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and reaffirmed America’s commitment to working with India against terrorism.
Rubio also urged India to engage with Pakistan to ease tensions and safeguard regional peace. Regarding Rubio’s conversation with Sharif, Bruce said the Secretary encouraged Pakistan to collaborate with India, restore direct channels of communication, and help maintain peace and stability in South Asia.
She said Rubio underscored the importance of condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, and both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable.
Additionally, Rubio called on Pakistani officials to fully cooperate in the investigation of the attack, Bruce added.
Also Read: Multiple cyber attacks on Indian websites from Pak reported after Pahalgam
Ready to retaliate?
India, citing the cross-border aspects of the assault, has vowed to deliver severe punishment to those involved.
In a high-level meeting with military leaders on Tuesday (April 29), Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response.
According to government sources, Modi emphasised that it is a matter of national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism.
In the wake of the attack, India announced a series of punitive measures on April 23, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the only operational land border at Attari, and downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.
Pakistan retaliated by closing its airspace to Indian aircraft and suspending all trade with India, including through third-party countries. Islamabad also rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that any attempt to block water flows would be considered an “act of war.”
(With agency inputs)