US Urges Pakistan’s Cooperation as Marco Rubio Dials Jaishankar Over Pahalgam Attack

Marco Rubio Urges Pakistan to Cooperate in Pahalgam Attack Probe, Reaffirms US Support to India Amid Rising Tensions

After the horrific terror attack of Pahalgam which killed 26 tourists, including 25 Indian nationals, Rubio stepped in to prevent the already boiling tensions between India and Pakistan from spilling over any further. In doing so, he made a diplomatic overture to halt the further deterioration of regional stability through his communications with Jaishankar and Shaheeb Sharif.

While talking with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and stated that the United States fully supports India in its war against terrorism. Again, he stressed that justice and accountability must be ensured for the attack, for which the United States does not recognize as a distant affair; those behind it, planners, and sponsors of this terror attack know no borders.

Confirming the conversation with Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter) “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.” The statement reiterates India’s strong position on prosecuting the attackers no matter where they are and whatever political cover they enjoy.

Rubio also reached out to Sharif and emphasized Islamabad’s cooperation in the investigation. He stressed the importance of condemning the “unconscionable” attack in Pahalgam and urged Pakistan to take concrete steps in assisting with the probe. According to Bruce, the need for communication channels to be restored between the two nations to avoid escalation was also discussed by both leaders.

Tension-ridden since time immemorial, India-Pakistan ties have witnessed further deterioration, following the April 22 strike in a tourist haven in Kashmir. Since the incident, India has reported an increase in ceasefire violations along the LoC, hence raising fears of instability crossing over from the other side. This led India to put some countermeasures into action, including initiation of the procedure to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reduction in diplomatic presence through curtailing the strength of High Commissions.

Read more: Farooq Abdullah Defends PM Modi, Slams Congress’ ‘Gayab’ Remark Amid Pahalgam Attack Aftermath

More than that, the Indian armed forces have been granted full operational freedom by the Indian government in deciding on the response itself to the terror strike, which in itself represents the will of India to act decisively against any cross-border aggression or terrorist activities coming from land in Pakistan.

The United States, through its balancing role, called upon both parties to de-escalate tensions and focus on maintaining peace in South Asia. These calls made by Marco Rubio towards both Indian and Pakistani leadership illustrate the vested interests by Washington focusing on regional stability, while it continues its rein in fostering a global counter-terrorism collaboration.

Read more: India Urgently Seeks Data on Pharma Exports to Pakistan Amid Strained Ties

With the whole world watching the consequences of the Pahalgam attack, the United States has made its statement loud and clear: there is no place for terrorism, and justice for the perpetrators of this terror act, irrespective of distances and borders, is paramount.

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