US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday interacted with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over telephone when he urged the Indian Minister to identify methods to de-escalate the ongoing tension with neighbouring Pakistan.
This is the most intense conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999.
Speaking on the interaction with Rubio, S Jaishankar wrote on X: “Had a conversation with US @SecRubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.”
Sharing details about the telephonic conversation, the US Department of State said: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Secretary Rubio emphasized that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation.”
Rubio proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes.
Rubio dials Munir
Rubio on Friday spoke with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and asked India and Pakistan to find ways to de-escalate.
An official statement issued by the US Department of State said: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir earlier today.”
During the telephonic conversation, Rubio offered US assistance in starting constructive talks to avoid future conflicts between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
“He continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate and offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts,” Rubio said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan on Friday said it has launched a military operation called Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos against India.
Pak military moving into forward post: Govt
The Indian government on Saturday said the country’s Armed Forces are “in a high state of operational readiness” as the Pakistani troops are observed to be moving into the forward areas indicating a possible escalation bid by the hostile neighbour.
A joint press briefing by the Defence sector and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told the media that Pakistan military has been targeting “civilian areas and military infrastructure” as the two countries were engaged in an overnight conflict that massively escalated after India avenged the Pahalgam terror attack with Operation Sindoor.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said in the briefing, “Pakistan has attempted multiple intrusions using drones and conducted shelling… targeting civilian infrastructures and killing some civilians. Heavy exchange of artillery mortars and small arm fire in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors continued.
“The Indian Army has responded effectively and proportionately, causing extensive damage to the Pakistan Army. Pak military has been observed to be moving their troops into forward areas indicating offensive intent to further escalate the situation. Indian Armed Forces remain in a high state of operational readiness.”
“All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded appropriately. Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military,” she added.
The Wing Commander said Pakistan resorted to “air intrusions using drones and firing” along the Line of Control and “several harassment attacks were also attempted” in more than 26 locations.
“Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralised these threats and the majority of the vectors. However, limited damage was sustained to equipment and personnel at Indian Air Force stations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj,” she said.
