Washington/New Delhi – In the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted the armed forces full operational freedom to determine the method, target, and timing of any military response. This decision follows a high-level security meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of India’s armed forces.
US Calls for Peace and Dialogue
Reacting to the growing tension, the United States has expressed concern and urged both India and Pakistan to avoid further escalation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of restraint and dialogue, stating that the US is in contact with both nations and is encouraging them to find a peaceful resolution.
“We are reaching out to both sides and certainly urging them not to escalate the situation,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a press briefing. She added that Secretary Rubio is expected to speak with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar soon.
Global Diplomacy in Motion
The US has also urged other global leaders and foreign ministers to deliver the same message of peace to both nations. According to Bruce, diplomatic engagement has occurred not only at the ministerial level but also through other diplomatic channels.
Why the US Responded Now
The US response comes just hours after reports that Prime Minister Modi gave the military a free hand to respond to the Pahalgam attack. President Donald Trump had also spoken with PM Modi shortly after the incident. During the call, PM Modi reiterated India’s firm resolve to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice — a statement broadly interpreted as a reference to Pakistan.
The developments signal a critical moment in South Asian geopolitics, with the international community watching closely and urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to exercise caution.
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