In response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu tourists, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in separate phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. During these discussions, Rubio condemned the attack and urged both nations to cooperate in the investigation and to de-escalate rising tensions.
In his conversation with Prime Minister Sharif, Rubio called on Pakistan to publicly condemn the attack and assist in the investigative efforts. Sharif, in turn, appealed to the U.S. to pressure India into acting responsibly and reducing inflammatory rhetoric, warning that India’s actions could destabilize the region and hinder Pakistan’s counter-terrorism initiatives.
The United States has expressed concern over the escalating situation, with Rubio emphasizing the importance of both countries working together to maintain peace and security in South Asia. The U.S. has refrained from directly accusing Pakistan but continues to urge both nations to engage in dialogue and avoid further escalation.
This diplomatic engagement comes amid heightened military posturing between India and Pakistan, including border skirmishes and the suspension of bilateral agreements. The international community, including the United Nations, has also called for restraint and offered to mediate to prevent further deterioration of relations.
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