Rubio urges 'immediate de-escalation' in calls with India, Pakistan

WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged “immediate de-escalation" between India and Pakistan on Thursday and expressed Washington’s support for "direct dialogue" amid soaring tensions.

"The Secretary expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict. He reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups," according to the State Department in a readout of Rubio's call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In a call with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio reiterated condolences for the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 victims, and reaffirmed the US' commitment to "work with India in the fight against terrorism."

The situation took a turn after India launched missile strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir late Tuesday, targeting nine "terrorist infrastructure" sites.

Pakistan said at least 31 victims were killed and 57 injured in Operation Sindoor and cross-border firing.

Officials said Pakistani forces shot down five Indian fighter jets after the missile strikes and vowed to retaliate.

India said at least 16 victims were killed in the border firing.

Islamabad and New Delhi said Thursday they shot down drones and missiles overnight above different locations, including densely populated cities.

Pakistan, which denied launching projectiles, said the drones that were shot down were Israeli-made Harops and three victims were killed and four army personnel injured in the attacks.