U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged India and Pakistan to work together to reduce South Asia tensions following the recent attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The U.S. State Department released this statement on Wednesday.
Secretary Rubio spoke separately with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He condemned the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where more than two dozen people were killed. He called the act “unconscionable” and urged Pakistan to fully assist in the investigation.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio emphasized the importance of holding the attackers accountable. She noted that both leaders showed their commitment to fighting terrorism. Secretary Rubio also pushed for direct communication between the two countries to ease regional tensions and bring stability to South Asia.
From Islamabad, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a separate statement about the call. It confirmed that Secretary Rubio had spoken to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the Pahalgam incident and recent developments in South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz strongly condemned terrorism. He reminded the U.S. of Pakistan’s key role in the global fight against terror. He said the country had sacrificed over 90,000 lives and lost more than $152 billion due to terrorism.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over India’s “escalatory and provocative” steps. He said these actions were disappointing and could shift Pakistan’s focus from its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. He pointed to threats from groups like ISKP (Daesh), TTP, and BLA operating from Afghanistan.
He firmly rejected India’s attempt to blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack. He demanded a neutral, transparent, and credible investigation. He also urged the United States to advise India to act with restraint and avoid inflaming South Asia tensions further.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also raised the issue of water rights. He criticized India’s actions, saying it was unfortunate that water—a basic need for 240 million Pakistanis—was being used as a weapon. He reminded that under the Indus Waters Treaty, no country has the right to unilaterally withdraw from its responsibilities.
Shehbaz concluded by saying that resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully was the only path to lasting peace in South Asia. Secretary Rubio thanked the Prime Minister for the candid discussion. He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to helping both nations ensure peace and stability in the region.
In a separate call, Rubio also spoke with India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar. According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio expressed sorrow over the Pahalgam killings. He also renewed America’s pledge to fight terrorism with India. But once again, he stressed the need for India to work with Pakistan to reduce South Asia tensions and maintain peace.
The United States appears ready to play a role in preventing any further rise in regional hostilities. Through high-level diplomacy, it is calling for restraint, cooperation, and clear communication between both nations.
