India Faces Diplomatic Pressure as Rubio Raises Concerns Over Kashmir Situation

Islamabad-(Mudasssar Iqbal)-The deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which heightened India-Pakistan tensions, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened late Wednesday. In separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio urged de-escalation. He conveyed condolences for the 26 civilian deaths and emphasized U.S. counter-terrorism partnership with India while advocating for diplomatic engagement with Pakistan to ensure regional stability.

  Rubio Urges Pakistan PM Sharif to Probe Pahalgam Attack, De-escalate with India

The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, 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,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

During his conversation with Prime Minister Sharif, Rubio urged Islamabad to reopen dialogue channels with New Delhi.

However, a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s PM office accused India of “escalatory and provocative behavior,” warning that such actions could derail Pakistan’s domestic counter-terrorism operations. “India’s provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from militant groups,” the statement read.

The situation remains volatile, with regional and international stakeholders urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to avoid escalation and prioritize dialogue.