"De-escalate tensions…" Marco Rubio dials EAM Jaishankar, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in wake of Pahalgam attack

New Delhi May 01, 2025 (ANI): Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the "horrific terrorist attack" in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to "de-escalate tensions" and maintain peace and security in South Asia, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. It comes as there has been a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (Loc) in Jammu and Kashmir after the April 22 brutal attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and injured many others. Secretary Marco Rubio also spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam. Both leaders reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. India has taken a raft of measures against Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism, including holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari. India has also decided to curtail the strength of High Commissions. The government has given armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Army has effectively responded to the Pakistan Army's unprovoked small arms firing across the LoC. Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Government sources revealed that Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s firm resolve to crush terrorism. He expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces, stating they have complete operational freedom to determine how, when, and where to respond. India has closed its airspace to all aircraft registered in Pakistan and those operated by Pakistani airlines, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), another major step following the April 22 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed. India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, confirming the closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, from April 30 to May 23 (estimated duration).