US Cautions India Against Actions That Could Escalate Regional Tensions

WASHINGTON: The United States has conveyed a strong message to India, urging it to refrain from any form of aggression and to uphold regional peace and stability, amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

The statement came following a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington.

According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the two sides discussed bilateral ties as well as the prevailing regional situation in South Asia.

Diplomatic sources said that during the meeting, the US side expressed concerns over the potential for further escalation between India and Pakistan and underlined the importance of restraint and constructive engagement to preserve regional stability.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the events of May 6, when the Indian government accused Pakistan of involvement in the deaths of tourists in Pahalgam, located in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir region. Islamabad categorically rejected the allegations and, in response to what it termed as “unprovoked aggression”, Pakistan’s military reportedly downed six Indian aircraft, including a Rafale fighter jet and a surveillance drone.

The US is believed to have played a key role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the escalation. While the ceasefire remains in place, diplomatic observers say that provocations from the Indian side continue to pose challenges to long-term stability.

Shri Vikram Misri’s visit to Washington, which began on May 27, is part of a three-day diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the US. However, sources say regional security issues have dominated the agenda.

In the meeting held on Wednesday evening, Deputy Secretary Landau reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its strategic partnership with India but emphasized that this relationship must not come at the cost of peace in South Asia.

“The United States has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid unilateral actions that could destabilize the region,” a diplomatic official familiar with the matter said.

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Deputy Secretary Landau also raised other points of concern and cooperation, including calls for greater market access for American firms, increased collaboration on migration issues, and efforts to curb narcotics trafficking — all of which remain key elements of the evolving US-India bilateral framework.

The US has also reportedly maintained backchannel communications with both Islamabad and New Delhi to prevent further escalation and to promote dialogue on contentious issues, including the situation in Kashmir.