US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir on May 9 (local time) to address the escalating military conflict between India and Pakistan.
The conversation came in the backdrop of Pakistan’s fresh airstrikes on India, part of its so-called “Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos,” carried out early Saturday in retaliation to India’s anti-terror Operation Sindoor.
According to a statement from the US Department of State, Rubio urged both nations to de-escalate tensions and offered American assistance in facilitating “constructive talks.” “Secretary Rubio reiterated the need for restraint and dialogue to avoid further conflict and destabilisation in the region,” the statement read.
Rubio also expressed condolences for the lives lost in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, during a separate call with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier this week.
The call to Pakistan’s military chief underscores growing international concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in South Asia. Pakistan’s strikes follow its earlier drone and missile attacks on 26 Indian locations, including military installations and civilian zones in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
The US is reportedly maintaining close contact with both New Delhi and Islamabad as part of its push to prevent further escalation.
