New Delhi: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to de-escalate and engage in direct dialogue.
This came even as Indian forces repelled Pakistan’s air raids with drones, missiles along the border states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the Secretary held discussions with both Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “He highlighted the importance of immediate de-escalation and voiced US backing for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan. He also encouraged sustained efforts to bolster communication between the two countries. Secretary Rubio conveyed his condolences regarding the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to collaborate with India in combating terrorism,” she said.
Rubio also pressed Islamabad to end any support for “terrorist groups”.
Jaishankar also mentioned about the call in a post on X. “Spoke with US Secretary Marco Rubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation,” he wrote.
Notably, the US had earlier issued an alert for its citizens in Lahore, Pakistan, urging them to leave the city or seek shelter amid reports of “drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions”.
“Due to reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions in and near Lahore, the US Consulate General in Lahore has directed all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place. US citizens who find themselves in an area of active conflict should leave if they can do so safely. If it is not safe to leave, they should shelter-in-place,” the statement said.
Pakistan, hit hard by Operation Sindoor and subsequent neutralisation of its air defence system in Lahore, went ballistic on Thursday evening and launched an all-out attack in several parts of northern and western India.
Jammu was their biggest target, with the airport also being hit.
According to reports, Indian air defence units intercepted and shot down eight missiles and at least three fighter jets – one F-16 and two JF-17 — launched from Pakistan. In the north, Pakistan missiles and drones were aimed at four key sectors in Jammu — Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. It resembled Hamas’ sudden attack on Israel in October 2023.
No casualty or major damage has been reported yet.
The targeted sectors, located along the border, were on high alert following the escalation, Defence sources added.
