Amid intensifying India-Pakistan border tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a crucial conversation on Friday (US local time) with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, the US Department of State confirmed. The engagement underscores Washington’s increasing concern about the growing volatility in South Asia.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today. He continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts,” the Department of State said in its statement.
The diplomatic outreach comes after Pakistan’s cross-border shelling caused significant damage to civilian areas in Jammu’s Rajouri district early Saturday, prompting India to launch immediate retaliatory strikes. Top Indian defence sources confirmed that four airbases in Pakistan were hit by Indian forces.
White House Urges Calm
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also weighed in on the situation, affirming that the Biden administration is actively pursuing de-escalation.
“This is something that the Secretary of State—and of course now our National Security Adviser as well, Marco Rubio—has been very much involved in. The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible,” Leavitt said.
She acknowledged the long-standing nature of the India-Pakistan conflict and confirmed that talks are underway to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Ground Situation: Tensions High Along Border
On the ground, Indian defence forces remain on high alert, especially after 26 locations across India were reportedly targeted by armed drones and munitions from Pakistan. Key locations affected include Baramulla, Srinagar, Nagrota, Ferozpur, and Barmer.
In Ferozpur, a drone strike injured members of a local family, prompting emergency response and sanitisation operations by Indian forces.
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement advising civilians in border areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow official instructions strictly. The use of counter-drone systems has intensified to neutralize ongoing aerial threats.