Background of the Tensions
The recent escalation in India-Pakistan relations stems from a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly tourists. The attack, attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), prompted India to launch Operation Sindoor. On May 7, 2025, India conducted precision missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). These strikes, described as technologically robust, avoided civilian and military targets, focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure.
Jaishankar-Rubio Conversation
On May 1, 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the Pahalgam attack and its aftermath. Jaishankar emphasized India’s resolve to bring the “perpetrators, backers, and planners” of the attack to justice, highlighting the cross-border linkages to Pakistan. Rubio expressed sorrow for the lives lost and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperating with India against terrorism. However, he also urged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain regional peace.
US Diplomatic Efforts
Rubio’s call with Jaishankar was part of a broader US diplomatic push to prevent further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors. On the same day, Rubio spoke with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging Pakistan to condemn the attack and cooperate in the investigation. The US State Department stressed the importance of direct communication between India and Pakistan to reduce tensions. Additionally, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed Rubio shortly after the strikes, assuring him that the actions were precise and non-escalatory.
Global Reactions and India’s Stance
The international community, including the United Nations and the United Arab Emirates, has called for restraint from both nations. India, however, remains firm, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism during talks with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. India has also engaged with non-permanent UN Security Council members to build diplomatic support for its actions. Pakistan, meanwhile, has denied responsibility and accused India of false flag operations.
Looking Ahead
As tensions persist, with Pakistan closing its airspace and ceasefire violations continuing along the Line of Control, the role of global powers like the US becomes critical. India’s proactive diplomacy, coupled with its military precision, underscores its commitment to countering terrorism while navigating complex regional dynamics. The Jaishankar-Rubio dialogue highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing such challenges, but the path to de-escalation remains uncertain.
