U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for urgent de-escalation between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives, has sparked a series of retaliatory actions, including India’s suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and cross-border exchanges of fire.
In separate phone calls on Wednesday with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio emphasized the need for both nations to work together to reduce hostilities. The U.S. State Department reported that Rubio condemned the Pahalgam attack, reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism, and urged Pakistan to cooperate in investigating the incident.
Pakistan, citing “credible intelligence” of an imminent Indian strike, has called on the U.S. to mediate and press India to “dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly.” Prime Minister Sharif expressed regret over India’s decision to step away from the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing New Delhi of weaponizing water resources in the disputed Kashmir region.
The conflict stems from long-standing disputes over Kashmir, a territory both nations claim in full but administer in parts. India accuses Pakistan of supporting armed groups in the region, while Pakistan insists it only provides moral and diplomatic backing for Kashmiri self-determination.
International concern is growing, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also engaging both nations, warning that a confrontation could have “tragic consequences.” The United Kingdom has advised against travel to Jammu and Kashmir and called for calm among its Indian and Pakistani communities.
Rubio’s diplomatic efforts mark the highest level of U.S. engagement since the crisis began, with the State Department encouraging other global leaders to support de-escalation.
