US Urges India, Pakistan to Ease Tensions After Attack

The United States has urged India and Pakistan to work together to reduce tensions following a recent militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that left 26 people dead.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate conversations with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, conveying US support for India in combating extremism and calling on Pakistan to assist in investigating the attack.

The US State Department described the incident as “terror” and “unconscionable,” and called for responsible behaviour from both sides to prevent further escalation.

Rubio pressed both nations—nuclear-armed neighbours with a long history of conflict over Kashmir—to re-establish direct communication and pursue peace. He also stressed the importance of cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Pakistan’s leadership, meanwhile, urged the US to encourage India to moderate its rhetoric.

While India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, Islamabad has denied involvement and called for a neutral investigation.

The aftermath has seen diplomatic and military tensions rise, including India suspending a water-sharing treaty and both countries closing airspace to one another. Border skirmishes have also been reported.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to retaliate, while Pakistan has warned of possible military action from India.

The disputed region of Kashmir remains a flashpoint between the two countries, both of which claim it in full but control separate parts.