As military tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed India’s stance, emphasising a measured and responsible approach to the ongoing conflict.
Following a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar stated that India remains committed to calm and strategic decision-making even as both countries continue targeting each other’s installations.
In a tweet, S Jaishankar stated, “Had a conversation with US @SecRubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible, and remains so.”
The U.S. State Department has urged both India and Pakistan to explore methods for de-escalation and to re-establish direct communication to prevent further hostilities. Secretary Marco Rubio has offered U.S. support in facilitating constructive dialogue to avoid future disputes.
Recently, Rubio contacted Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir following Islamabad’s launch of ballistic missiles toward New Delhi. This communication occurred shortly after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion bailout for Pakistan, according to a report by Reuters.
These discussions come amid significantly heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, following exchanges involving missiles and drones targeting strategically important locations across their shared border, including airbases and civilian areas.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation and offered U.S. assistance in facilitating talks. Bruce noted that Rubio “continued to urge both parties to find ways to de-escalate and offered U.S. assistance in initiating constructive talks to avoid future conflicts.”
In response, India reported that it had conducted precision airstrikes on Pakistan Air Force bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, and Rahim Yar Khan. Pakistan’s military installations at Sukkur and Chunia, as well as a radar site at Pasrur and the Sialkot aviation base, were also targeted.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with global leaders calling for diplomatic solutions to prevent further deterioration.
