Nation

IIE Digital Desk : U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a telephone conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 10, 2025, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following recent cross-border military exchanges. This call followed Rubio's earlier communication with Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, indicating Washington's active involvement in urging restraint from both nuclear-armed neighbors.

The discussions come in the wake of a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which India attributes to Pakistan-based extremists. In response, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated with "Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos," leading to a series of missile strikes and cross-border shelling, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

During the call, Secretary Rubio emphasized the United States' concern over the escalating conflict and urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint. He offered U.S. support in facilitating direct dialogue between India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. Rubio's outreach aligns with the broader international call for peace, as the G7 nations have also urged both countries to engage in direct talks to prevent further hostilities.

Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to maintaining regional stability but underscored the nation's right to defend its sovereignty against cross-border terrorism. He highlighted that India's recent military actions were targeted operations against terrorist infrastructure and not aimed at escalating tensions with Pakistan. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over the safety of civilians amid the ongoing conflict and stressed the need for Pakistan to take credible action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

The conversation between Rubio and Jaishankar reflects the United States' strategic interest in South Asian stability, especially given the potential for the conflict to impact broader regional dynamics. The U.S. has historically played a mediating role during Indo-Pak tensions, and Rubio's proactive engagement indicates a continuation of this approach under the current administration.

As the situation remains volatile, both India and Pakistan have expressed conditional willingness to de-escalate, provided the other side reciprocates. However, mutual accusations and ongoing military activities suggest that a resolution may require sustained diplomatic efforts. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and restraint to prevent a full-scale conflict.

 Secretary Rubio's call to Minister Jaishankar signifies a critical step in international diplomatic efforts to mitigate the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The United States' involvement underscores the global implications of the conflict and the necessity for both nations to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure regional peace and stability.