US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to hold conversations soon with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan in an effort to ease rising tensions following a deadly militant strike in the Kashmir region controlled by India. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Washington is actively engaging with both nations and has urged them to refrain from any actions that could worsen the situation.
The US, which maintains diplomatic relationships with both countries, described its efforts as working toward a “responsible solution.” While the Biden administration expressed public solidarity with India—an emerging strategic partner in countering China—it refrained from directly criticizing Pakistan, choosing instead to emphasize de-escalation.
India holds Pakistan accountable for the April 22 attack in Kashmir that resulted in 26 civilian deaths. Pakistan, however, denies any involvement and has called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
Following the attack, India took a hardline stance, including suspending the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the distribution of water from the Indus River system between the two countries. In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian civilian aircraft, intensifying hostilities as both nations exchanged cross-border fire along the Line of Control.
Rubio, who plans to speak with his counterparts from both countries on Tuesday or Wednesday, also encouraged other global foreign ministers to reach out to promote peace and avoid military conflict. According to US officials, these talks are part of broader diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing what could become a volatile regional crisis.
The situation remains tense. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strong retaliation against the perpetrators, while Pakistan’s defense ministry has issued warnings that a military strike by India could be imminent.
Kashmir, a majority-Muslim region, remains a deeply contentious issue between the Hindu-majority India and Islamic Pakistan. Both nations claim full control over the region but currently govern only parts of it, and their long-standing rivalry has already led to multiple wars.
Rubio’s outreach marks a crucial moment in the United States’ balancing act between its traditional ties with Pakistan and its evolving partnership with India.
