US secretary speaks with Jaishankar, Pakistan PM Sharif; urges de-escalation of tensions | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Rubio spoke with external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif on late Wednesday, urging them to “de-escalate tensions” between the two nations. He asked Sharif to condemn the Pahalgama attack that has soured the relations between the two nations.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar today. The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” US state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.
During his conversation with Sharif, Rubio emphasized the importance of condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and called on Pakistani authorities to cooperate fully in the investigation of what he described as a “this unconscionable attack.”
He further urged Pakistan to engage with India in efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore direct communication channels, and uphold regional peace and stability in South Asia.
However, Sharif accused India of engaging in “escalatory and provocative behavior,” according to a statement from Islamabad.
“India’s provocations would only serve to distract Pakistan from its ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism, particularly from militant groups,” Sharif said, according to the statement released by his office.
In the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians—mostly tourists—and left many injured, ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have seen a sharp uptick. The attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists, has triggered a series of strong countermeasures from India.
In response, government has taken several diplomatic and strategic steps, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and moving to reduce the strength of high commissions. Additionally, the armed forces have been granted full operational freedom to determine the nature and timing of a suitable response.