External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday to discuss the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that those responsible for orchestrating, supporting, and planning the attack must be held accountable and brought to justice. Secretary Rubio expressed his condolences and reiterated the United States’ support for India in its fight against terrorism. He also encouraged India to engage with Pakistan to help de-escalate regional tensions and promote peace and stability in South Asia.
Dr. Jaishankar, sharing the conversation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stated:
“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
Rubio expressed deep condolences for the lives lost and reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism. He also urged India to engage with Pakistan in efforts to ease tensions and preserve peace and stability in the region.
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated this stance in a press briefing, saying:
“Secretary Rubio expressed sorrow for the horrific attack and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with India. He encouraged both nations to avoid escalation and maintain peace in South Asia.”
This call for restraint mirrors previous U.S. responses to major terror attacks in India. In 2019, after the Pulwama attack, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged de-escalation during a conversation with late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Similarly, in 2016, John Kerry, then Secretary of State, appealed for calm following the Uri attack.
The U.S. continues to play a mediating role, emphasizing diplomacy and regional stability as key to managing long-standing Indo-Pak tensions.
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