US steps in, wants India, Pakistan to talk as tensions continue to escalate

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on Thursday, the US stepped in with the secretary of state urging immediate de-escalation and expressed support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and continued efforts to improve communications.

This message was conveyed when secretary Marco Rubio spoke with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who noted that India will firmly counter any attempts at escalation “Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation,” Jaishankar wrote on X following telephone conversation.

“The secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” according to a readout by the US State Department.

Rubio also spoke with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif. The secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said he wanted the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan to “stop”.

The European Union and its 27 member states have unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. UK MP Priti Patel has backed India’s Operation Sindoor.

The French foreign minister has also expressed understanding about India’s desire to protect itself from terrorism, while Israel’s ambassador to India said Israel supported India’s right of self-defence. Dutch MP Geert Wilders said Kashmir is 100% Indian. He has also used #PakistanBehindPahalgam in his tweet.