US Urges India, Pakistan to Ease Kashmir Tensions After Attack
By M Muzamil Shami - May 1, 2025
In a high-level diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to engage in direct communication to de-escalate rising tensions in South Asia. This follows a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed over two dozen lives.
Rubio personally reached out to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to emphasize the urgent need for peaceful cooperation. According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the Secretary stressed the importance of holding terrorists accountable and working towards regional peace and security.
“The April 22 attack must be unequivocally condemned,” Rubio insisted, highlighting the necessity of a transparent and joint investigation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his nation’s unwavering stance against terrorism, noting Pakistan’s sacrifices of over 90,000 lives and $152 billion in losses due to militancy. He strongly condemned India’s “escalatory and provocative” rhetoric, cautioning that it may distract from the broader goal of dismantling extremist groups like ISKP (Daesh), TTP, and BLA.
Sharif rejected India’s attempts to blame Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack and called for a neutral, internationally monitored probe. He also criticized India’s approach to water rights, stating it was “regrettable” that India had allegedly “weaponized” the Indus Waters Treaty, which is essential for the livelihoods of over 240 million Pakistanis.
The only path to sustainable peace in the region, said Sharif, is through the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with international norms.
Rubio appreciated the candid dialogue and reaffirmed the US commitment to peace in South Asia.
In a follow-up call, Rubio offered condolences for the victims of the Kashmir attack to Jaishankar and reaffirmed the US–India partnership against terrorism. He once again encouraged India to maintain regional stability by engaging Pakistan in constructive dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What was the purpose of Secretary Rubio’s calls to India and Pakistan?
A1: He aimed to urge both nations to reduce tensions and promote peace after a recent terror attack in Kashmir.
Q2: How did Pakistan respond to India's accusations regarding the attack?
A2: Pakistan rejected the claims and demanded a transparent international investigation.
Q3: Why is the Indus Waters Treaty mentioned in the discussion?
A3: PM Shehbaz accused India of “weaponizing” water, a vital resource governed by the treaty, escalating bilateral tensions further.
Q4: What is the US position on the Kashmir dispute?
A4: The US encourages peaceful dialogue and regional cooperation but maintains a neutral stance on sovereignty issues.
Call to Action:
Do you think a neutral investigation can truly help India and Pakistan rebuild trust? Or is deeper international mediation needed for lasting peace?#IndiaPakistanPeace #KashmirTensions #USDiplomaticPush
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