Washington, DC [US]: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, the United States is actively monitoring the situation and maintaining direct contact with both governments, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, Bruce confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold talks with the foreign ministers of both nations “as early as today or tomorrow.”
“We’re monitoring developments across the board in that region and are in touch with both governments, not just at the foreign minister level, but across multiple levels,” Bruce said in response to a question from ANI.
Bruce also addressed controversial remarks from a Pakistani minister, who both denied the existence of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and referenced performing “dirty work” for the US.
“We are encouraging all parties to work together for a responsible solution. The world is watching this,” she added, while declining to comment further on the statement.
Secretary Rubio has reportedly emphasized de-escalation as a priority.
“Rubio said we are reaching out to both parties and telling them not to escalate the situation… He is encouraging other national leaders and foreign ministers to engage as well,” Bruce noted.
The diplomatic push follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed and several others injured by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired high-level security meetings, including one with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The PM reiterated India’s resolve to fight terrorism and affirmed the armed forces have complete operational freedom to determine the timing and nature of a response.
India has also initiated diplomatic and strategic countermeasures:
- Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 held in abeyance
- Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post
- Expulsion of Pakistani High Commission officials, declared Persona Non Grata
- Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals