US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio dials S Jaishankar, Shehbaz Sharif
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dialled both Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling for de-escalation, and maintenance of peace and security in South Asia.
US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that during his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.
“He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” the spokesperson said.
On his part, Jaishankar posted on X early Thursday morning to say that he had discussed the Pahalgam attack with the US Secretary. “Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice,” he wrote.
Regarding Rubio’s conversation with Sharif, a readout by the Department of State said that he spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence, it said.
“The Secretary urged Pakistani officials’ cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack. He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” the statement read.