The United States calls on India and Pakistan to collaborate and reduce existing tensions.

The United States has called on India and Pakistan to collaborate in reducing the escalating tensions that have arisen following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. In a series of diplomatic communications, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged separately with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday. During his conversation with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly those of tourists, in what he described as a “horrific” attack. He reiterated the United States’ dedication to partnering with India in the fight against terrorism and urged India to engage with Pakistan to foster de-escalation and uphold peace and security in the South Asian region. Following this dialogue, Jaishankar emphasized the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for planning and executing the Pahalgam attack, highlighting the importance of justice in the aftermath of such violence.