Amid rising hostilities between India and Pakistan, the United States has intensified its diplomatic outreach, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio holding high-level talks with leaders from both nations in an effort to prevent further escalation and encourage direct communication.
On Saturday, Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, reiterating the urgent need for de-escalation and the restoration of direct communication channels between the two countries. A statement from the US Department of State confirmed that Rubio offered Washington’s support to facilitate “constructive talks” to help avoid future conflict.
“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Secretary Rubio reiterated that both parties must find ways to de-escalate the current situation and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation,” the statement read.
This follows earlier conversations Rubio held with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir. In a post on social media, Jaishankar confirmed the exchange, noting, “Had a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the urgency of the situation during a press briefing, stating, “The President wants to see this de-escalate as quickly as possible.” She added that both the Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser are “actively involved” in preventing further conflict.
The diplomatic push comes in the wake of a major escalation on Saturday, when Pakistan launched attacks on 26 locations across India, prompting retaliatory Indian airstrikes on at least four Pakistani airbases. Intermittent cross-border firing continues along the Line of Control (LoC), further deepening fears of a wider confrontation.
In New Delhi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh confirmed that the Pakistan Army is mobilizing troops towards forward positions, indicating an intent to escalate. She asserted that India remains committed to de-escalation, provided there is reciprocal restraint from Pakistan.
“In a swift and calibrated response, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes only at identified military targets,” Singh said, while also condemning Pakistan’s ongoing misinformation campaign, which includes false claims of destroying India’s S-400 air defence systems and damaging airbases in Sirsa and Suratgarh.
As the situation remains volatile, global attention is now focused on whether diplomatic efforts led by the US can succeed in pulling the region back from the brink.