Amid mounting tensions between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for immediate de-escalation in separate phone conversations with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The calls took place as Pakistan launched drones and missiles at multiple Indian cities in border states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the outreach and stated, “Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Secretary emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation.”
During the discussions, Rubio expressed strong US support for direct dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and encouraged both nations to maintain open channels of communication. He also extended condolences for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, reaffirming America’s commitment to cooperate with India in the fight against terrorism.
These developments come in the wake of a significant escalation, with Pakistan launching a barrage of missiles and drones at Indian cities on Thursday evening.
The attacks targeted border regions including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. According to Indian authorities, eight missiles were fired at these locations, all of which were successfully intercepted by India’s air defence systems, preventing casualties.
In retaliation, Indian forces launched counterstrikes, firing missiles at Pakistani military positions. The Indian Army and Air Force deployed advanced air defence platforms, including Akash surface-to-air missiles, the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, and Zu-23 anti-aircraft guns, to protect key installations.
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A major setback for Pakistan came when India shot down three fighter jets, including two JF-17 aircraft and one F-16, during the ongoing exchanges.
The Indian Army confirmed that Pakistani forces targeted military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using drones and missiles. These facilities, situated near the International Boundary in Jammu and Kashmir, experienced multiple attempted strikes.
In anticipation of further escalation, a complete blackout has been enforced in multiple regions, including cities across Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. The blackouts are intended to minimise visibility and reduce vulnerability to aerial attacks.
The recent wave of violence follows India’s precision strike operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, which was carried out in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. As part of the operation, India targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), striking back against the perpetrators behind the April 22 attack.
Pakistan, on its part, claimed that one Indian drone crashed near Lahore and that 12 others were shot down in various locations including Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Miano, Karachi, Chhor, Rawalpindi, and Attock. As the situation unfolds, global powers, including the United States, continue to monitor the conflict closely, urging restraint and a return to dialogue to prevent further deterioration.
Also Read: Pak drone hits Jammu airport, defence system blocks 8 missiles
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