The United States has called on India and Pakistan to reduce tensions, reiterating its support for working with New Delhi to combat terrorism. It also urged Islamabad to assist in the investigation of the “unconscionable” terror attack in Pahalgam, according to a PTI report.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate discussions on Wednesday with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Here’s what Rubio said
In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the “horrific” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that had killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
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Rubio “reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” a statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, PTI reported.
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.
During his discussion with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam and called for Pakistan’s cooperation in the investigation of what he described as an “unconscionable attack.”
Rubio also urged Pakistan to engage with India in efforts to reduce tensions, restore direct communication channels, and support regional peace and stability in South Asia, PTI reported.
Rubio and Sharif “reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.”
(This is a developing story)