International

As Tensions Rise, The US Pushes India and Pakistan Towards Dialogue

US Secretary Marco Rubio tells India, Pak that US will back direct talks between as tensions between countries rise

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with Jaishankar and Shabaz Sharif
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with Jaishankar and Shabaz Sharif over India-Pakistan tension Photo: AP/PTI
info_icon

Amid growing concern of a full-blown war between India and Pakistan, as both countries launch drone attacks and exchange heavy artillery fire across the LoC, US secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke to foreign minister Subramanyam Jaishankar and proposed direct talks between India and Pakistan to diffuse the volatile situation. He also called Pakistan Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif.

"Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation," US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters.

"He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism" she added. 

Last week Marco Rubio had dialled both India and Pakistan delivering a similar message to diffuse the crisis. Though Rubio has worked the phone lines and tried to help douse the flames, Washington had not like in earlier times worked urgently with its allies to ensure that South Asia라이브 바카라 nuclear-armed neighbours step back from the brink. 

US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon after the Pahalgam massacre and offered his condolences and condemned the terror attack. After operation Sindoor, his reaction was typical “It라이브 바카라 a shame. We just heard about it; they’ve been fighting for a long time… I just hope it ends very quickly.” Later he offered to help and also declared that US is friends with both India and Pakistan.  "Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And If I can do anything to help, I will be there," Trump said in response to a question.

Not really an answer New Delhi wanted to hear. Despite India라이브 바카라 multi-faceted ties and growing warmth in ties with the US, President Trump has not publicly sided with India and has been even handed, calling for restraint and dialogue.  

No Country has Called out Pakistan Directly

Though there is much sympathy for India over the Pahalgam attack, and some governments have asked Pakistan to cooperate with India and bring the terrorists to book, leaders have not called out Pakistan the way New Delhi would have wanted.

No country has questioned India라이브 바카라 right to defend itself and take action against terror camps deep inside Pakistan by launching Operation Sindoor, they have all advised constructive dialogue. China, Pakistan라이브 바카라 close allay criticised India라이브 바카라 military action but also called on both countries to prioritize peace and stability. 

Perhaps India has so far not shared evidence of Pakistan라이브 바카라 links with the terrorists and conversations with their handlers across the border. Whatever the reason, the international community is not pointing fingers at Pakistan, at least in the public domain. The message from the world has been consistent and to both parties: Do not escalate, start talking. New Delhi is certainly not in the mood to do so.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the UK is "engaging urgently with both countries," advocating for dialogue, de-escalation, and the protection of civilians. The EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas said "This war is not good for anybody," indicating Europe's efforts to mediate and reduce tensions. 

×