NEW DELHI, India — Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply following a deadly attack in Kashmir last week, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to senior officials in both nations, advocating for calm amid the crisis.
Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging both sides to take necessary steps to reduce hostilities. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists—primarily Hindu men—was condemned by India, which has accused Pakistan of complicity. Islamabad has denied these allegations, rejecting claims that it supported the violence.
In the wake of the attack, both countries have expelled diplomats, closed borders and airspace, and suspended a water-sharing treaty crucial to their bilateral relations. There have been reports of cross-border skirmishes, marking the highest level of tension in years between the two nuclear-armed nations. Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries, remains a longstanding source of conflict, having sparked two wars and a limited military engagement in the past.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio expressed condolences for the victims during his conversation with Jaishankar. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to collaborating with India in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of accountability for those responsible for the attack.
Jaishankar, in his call with Rubio, stressed the necessity for justice against the “perpetrators, backers, and planners” of the violence. Meanwhile, Sharif, in his discussion with Rubio, underscored Pakistan’s stance on the allegations, urging the U.S. to encourage India to de-escalate its rhetoric and take responsible actions.
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth followed up with a call to Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, offering condolences and reaffirming India’s right to protect itself. Singh’s office shared this support via a post on social media.
The crisis has even drawn the attention of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who reached out to Sharif, offering to facilitate efforts to ease regional tensions. Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to participate in an international investigation into the attack and firmly dismissed allegations linking his country to the violence.
As public anger surges in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers relentlessly. In contrast, Pakistani officials indicated that their country has intelligence suggesting India may be planning retaliatory action soon.
Amid escalating military readiness, Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir emphasized that any aggressive moves by India would be met with a decisive response. Munir assured that while Pakistan seeks peace, its preparedness to defend national interests remains paramount.
Crossfire has been reported along the Line of Control, with both sides blaming each other for initiating hostilities. India’s military claims it responded to unprovoked fire from Pakistan, while Pakistani sources stated that Indian forces violated a ceasefire agreement, launching artillery fire in their territory. The complex situation continues to unfold, leaving many concerned about the potential for further conflict in the volatile region.