Jaishankar, US Secretary Rubio Discuss Pahalgam Terror Attack; Call for Justice and De-escalation
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on Thursday that he discussed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the need to bring the perpetrators, backers, and planners to justice. The development follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the deadly terrorist assault in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
The conversation comes on the heels of Rubio’s diplomatic outreach to both Indian and Pakistani leadership. The US Secretary of State also spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, urging both nations to de-escalate tensions and uphold peace in South Asia.
During the call, Rubio reportedly expressed sorrow over the killings and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working closely with India to combat terrorism. He also encouraged Islamabad to support the investigation into what he described as an “unconscionable” attack and called on Pakistan to condemn terrorism in unequivocal terms.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce elaborated on the discussions, saying, “Secretary Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.”
Bruce added that Rubio also urged both India and Pakistan to resume direct communications and maintain regional stability. “He encouraged Pakistan to work with India to re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” she said.
The April 22 attack, which left 26 civilians dead in the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), widely regarded as a proxy for Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). India has held Pakistan responsible, intensifying bilateral tensions.
Meanwhile, cross-border hostilities continue to flare along the Line of Control (LoC). A Defence Ministry spokesperson reported that during the night of April 30 and May 1, Pakistani forces engaged in unprovoked small-arms fire in the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors. The Indian Army responded proportionately.
This marks the seventh consecutive day of firing from Pakistani forces. On Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers also fired on Indian posts along the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Jammu district.
The situation remains tense as New Delhi presses for accountability in the Pahalgam attack, while international actors, including the United States, continue diplomatic efforts to defuse regional tensions.
