Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a diplomatic conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Rubio urged both countries to find methods to de-escalate their ongoing conflict, which intensified after India’s airstrike operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under ‘Operation Sindoor’. During this phone call, S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s “measured and responsible” approach, emphasizing that the country’s actions have always been aimed at maintaining peace while protecting its interests.
S. Jaishankar also acknowledged the U.S.’s role in facilitating “productive discussions” between the two countries to prevent future misunderstandings. Rubio’s statement reflected the United States’ balanced approach, recognizing India and Pakistan as important allies while calling for dialogue to address the rising conflict. Rubio highlighted that the situation must be managed carefully to avoid further escalation, especially following India’s strikes, which were retaliatory actions for the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. This attack resulted in the deaths of 26 people, further intensifying India’s resolve to address cross-border terrorism.
Diplomatic Engagement and Urging De-escalation
Rubio extended his support for discussions, emphasizing the need for both nations to reopen direct communication channels and explore avenues to de-escalate tensions. The U.S. Secretary of State reiterated the importance of avoiding military miscalculations and preventing further casualties in the region. In a previous call with S. Jaishankar, Rubio had expressed condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to combatting terrorism alongside India.
In addition to his conversation with S. Jaishankar, Rubio also reached out to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister and Army Chief Asim Munir, urging them to follow a similar path of dialogue and restraint. The U.S. remains keen on ensuring both nations can find a peaceful resolution to their differences, as military actions between India and Pakistan have escalated, with both countries engaging in airstrikes.
Airports Closed Due to Conflict
As tensions remain high, India has closed over 30 airports across vulnerable regions to safeguard its citizens. The list includes airports in Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Leh, Shimla, Kangra, Bhuntar, Gaggal, Bathinda, Halwara, Udhampur, Awantipora, Adampur, Ambala, Sirsa, Suratgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Phalodi, Nal, Jaipur, Hindon, Agra, Gwalior, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Banaras, and others. These measures are indicative of India’s preparedness for further military action, as both countries maintain heightened alertness in response to the ongoing conflict.
