Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges direct dialogue and de-escalation in calls with Jaishankar and Sharif; India affirms firm response to terrorism
Washington DC [US], May 9: Amid escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has personally reached out to both sides, urging restraint and immediate de-escalation. According to US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio held separate calls with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday.
“In both calls, the Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation and called for an end to the violence,” Bruce said during a press briefing. “He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.”
The outreach comes in the wake of increased military activity along the Line of Control, where Pakistan launched eight missiles toward Indian sectors including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia—all intercepted by India’s air defence systems. Defence sources likened the attack to Hamas-style rocket barrages, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Rubio’s conversation with Jaishankar followed Pakistani aggression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). During the call, the Secretary also expressed condolences for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to work with India in counterterrorism efforts.
In response, Jaishankar acknowledged the US stance and reiterated India’s firm approach.
“Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on X.
“Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.”
Tensions remain high as Indian defence forces continue to monitor the border closely. Explosions were also reported in Udhampur as Indian forces intercepted Pakistani drones. The situation follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory precision strike campaign on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoJK after the Pahalgam massacre.
As the international community watches closely, Washington’s message is clear: dial down the confrontation, and return to diplomacy before the crisis spirals out of control.