Washington DC [US], May 10: Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, the United States has intensified diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging both nations to resume direct communication and avoid further conflict.
In a press statement, the US Department of State revealed that Secretary Rubio spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation and direct lines of dialogue between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
“Secretary Rubio reiterated that both parties must find ways to de-escalate the current situation and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation,” the statement said. He also offered American assistance to facilitate constructive talks aimed at preventing future confrontations.
Rubio has spoken with both India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, underscoring Washington’s balanced approach in addressing the crisis.
Minister Jaishankar confirmed the exchange, saying, “Had a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.”
Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, stating that both Secretary Rubio and National Security Adviser were actively engaged in crisis management. “The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible,” she added.
These diplomatic overtures come in the wake of India’s retaliatory airstrikes targeting four Pakistani military airbases after Pakistan’s missile attacks struck 26 locations across Indian territory early Saturday. While intermittent firing continues along the Line of Control (LoC), both sides are reportedly assessing their next steps.
In a press briefing in New Delhi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed Pakistan’s troop movement toward forward areas, indicating possible offensive intentions. She also reaffirmed India’s commitment to restraint, contingent upon reciprocal behavior from Islamabad.
“In a swift and calibrated response, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes only at identified military targets,” Singh said. She dismissed Pakistan’s misinformation campaign, which falsely claimed damage to India’s S-400 systems, airfields, and BrahMos facilities, calling it a deliberate attempt to spread fear and confusion.
India remains in a high state of operational readiness, and officials have reiterated their openness to non-escalation—provided Pakistan demonstrates reciprocal restraint.