U.S. urges restraint as India-Pakistan tensions escalate
Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledges engagement toward peace
WASHINGTON (MNTV) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that Washington is closely monitoring the situation and urging both nations to seek a peaceful resolution.
“I echo President Trump’s comments earlier today that this hopefully ends quickly and will continue to engage both Indian and Pakistani leadership towards a peaceful resolution,” Rubio posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The statement follows India’s missile strikes on multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which it says is a ‘response’ to the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people.
India blames Pakistan for the attack, but Pakistan has denied any role in it and has strongly advocated for an impartial and international investigation.
The Indian Embassy in Washington confirmed that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval briefed Rubio shortly after the strikes.
The embassy emphasized that the military actions were a “necessary response to eliminate threats emanating from across the border.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department reported ongoing communication with both nations.
“We continue to urge India and Pakistan to de-escalate and work together towards a responsible solution,” a department spokesperson said.
President Donald Trump described the situation as a “shame” during a briefing at the White House.
“They’ve been fighting for a long time. I just hope it ends very quickly,” Trump said.
Complex alliances
The U.S. has traditionally maintained strong ties with both nations, though the dynamics have shifted in recent years. India remains a key partner for Washington as it seeks to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
Pakistan, while still an ally, has seen its strategic importance to the U.S. diminish following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Analysts suggest that the U.S. may adopt a hands-off approach in the early stages of the conflict, focusing on diplomatic engagement rather than active intervention.
This position reflects Washington’s current priorities, including managing the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Gaza.
Rubio reiterated Washington’s commitment to de-escalation, stating that both nations must prioritize regional stability.
While the U.S. has voiced support for India after the April 22 attack, American officials have avoided directly blaming Pakistan.
The evolving crisis highlights the delicate balancing act Washington must maintain as it seeks to navigate its relationships with the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
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