In the aftermath of a deadly terrorist assault in Kashmir, diplomatic initiatives have intensified to reduce escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, amid growing concerns about the potential for military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in separate discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
During his conversation with the Indian foreign minister, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to collaborating with India in counterterrorism efforts, while urging New Delhi to work alongside Pakistan to lower tensions and uphold peace and security.
Rubio adopted a firmer stance with Prime Minister Sharif, stressing the importance of condemning the recent terror attack and encouraging Pakistan to cooperate with India to ease the situation.
Prior to these talks, Pakistani officials publicly denounced the attack but challenged India’s assertions of "cross-border linkages," stating that no credible evidence has been presented to implicate Pakistan.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also held discussions with the Pakistani prime minister and Indian foreign minister this week, highlighting the urgent need to avoid confrontation that could lead to devastating consequences and offering to mediate between the two nations. Other countries, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, have similarly called for diplomatic resolution.
Pakistan claims to possess credible intelligence suggesting India is planning an imminent attack and has vowed a strong response to any military aggression. Meanwhile, India appears to be making its case to foreign diplomats for potential retaliatory measures.
De-escalating tensions is challenging, particularly as Pakistan had already intensified rhetoric over Kashmir prior to last week’s attack.
In a mid-April address to the Pakistani diaspora in Islamabad, Army Chief General Asim Munir described Kashmir as Pakistan’s "jugular vein," essential to the nation’s survival.
General Munir further asserted that Pakistan would never abandon Kashmiris in their longstanding struggle, signaling a nationalist stance that reinforces the military’s role as protector amid internal unrest and political challenges.
India swiftly condemned these remarks as inflammatory, reiterating its claim over Kashmir. Both countries control parts of the region but assert sovereignty over the entire territory.
Following the April 22 attack near Pahalgam in Kashmir, officials from both sides exchanged sharp statements.
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh vowed to not only identify the attackers but also target those orchestrating the attack behind the scenes, hinting at possible military retaliation.
India also imposed punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending its participation in a vital water-sharing treaty.
Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership condemned India’s unilateral actions as politically motivated and legally invalid, warning that any move to restrict river flows would be treated as an act of war.
Two days after the attack, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would pursue every terrorist and their supporters relentlessly, asserting the need to eliminate terror sanctuaries.
As Indian forces conducted operations including demolishing homes of suspects and detaining thousands for questioning in Kashmir, both countries exchanged gunfire along their shared border.
Pakistan further escalated tensions by announcing its intention to withdraw from the 1972 agreement defining the Line of Control that divides Kashmir.
On April 25, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called for an international investigation into the terrorist attack and requested the U.S. to mediate.
China, a close ally of Pakistan, is closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister Sharif recently met with China’s ambassador in Islamabad, expressing gratitude for China’s unwavering support amid rising tensions.
With the risk of conflict escalating, the United States has increased its diplomatic engagement. Initially appearing reluctant to intervene, U.S. officials have since encouraged other global leaders and foreign ministers to engage with India and Pakistan to promote dialogue.
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