US urges Pakistan to end support to terror, calls for de-escalation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday spoke with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Rubio reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups and emphasised the need for “immediate de-escalation” between the two countries.

Rubio expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The US secretary of state reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement following his call with Rubio, Jaishankar said, “Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.”

Meanwhile, Jaishankar also discussed the ongoing developments with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. “India has been measured in its actions. However, any escalation will get a firm response,” the foreign minister said.

These calls come a day after Indian Armed Forces launched “Operation Sindoor” in the wee hours of May 7, 2025, to hit terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. This come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. “We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the ministry of defence said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the government said India exercised its right to respond, pre-empt, and deter more cross-border attacks following the Pahalgam terror attack. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in a press briefing said India’s actions were “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible”.

The latest attack in Pahalgam has generated deep anger in J&K and other parts of India. Following the attacks, the Government of India naturally responded with a set of initial measures like suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan.

“However, it was deemed essential that the perpetrators and planners of the April 22 attack are brought to justice. Despite a fortnight having passed since the attacks, there has been no demonstrable steps from Pakistan to take action against the terrorist infrastructure on its territory or territory under its control. Instead, all it has indulged in are denials and allegations,” said Misri.

These strikes focussed on dismantling the terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists likely to be sent across to India, Misri explained. “Our intelligence monitoring of Pakistan-based terrorist modules indicated that further attacks against India were impending,” he added.