Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged to their highest level in years following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, prompting calls for restraint from international leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to the U.S. Department of State, Rubio held separate calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday. In the conversations, he reaffirmed U.S. support for India’s counterterrorism efforts while encouraging both nations to work together to de-escalate the situation and avoid further conflict.
The diplomatic outreach follows Islamabad’s claims of receiving “credible intelligence” that India may launch a retaliatory strike within 24 to 36 hours in response to last week’s attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian-controlled Kashmir. The assault killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and has been blamed by New Delhi on militant groups allegedly supported by Pakistan. Islamabad has denied any involvement.
Prime Minister Sharif reportedly asked Washington to urge India to lower tensions and act with restraint. His office also expressed concern over India’s recent steps to restrict water flows from rivers governed by the Indus Waters Treaty—an agreement that neither party can unilaterally withdraw from. Sharif accused India of attempting to “weaponize water” amid the current dispute.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, military activity along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir has intensified. For six consecutive nights, Indian and Pakistani forces have exchanged small-arms fire. India claims these incidents were initiated from the Pakistani side, though no casualties have been reported so far.
India responded to the recent attack by closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines starting April 30 through May 23, a move that followed Pakistan’s earlier ban on Indian carriers using its airspace. Both nations have implemented reciprocal airspace restrictions in the past during periods of heightened tension.
Kashmir remains a long-standing flashpoint between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The region is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan, but each controls a portion. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting armed groups that cross into its territory, while Pakistan maintains its support is limited to diplomatic and moral backing for Kashmiri self-determination.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke separately with officials from both sides, urging them to avoid escalation and warning of potentially “tragic consequences” if the situation deteriorates. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory warning against all non-essential travel to the region, citing the volatile security environment.
As diplomatic efforts continue, observers remain cautious, recalling past cycles of conflict and reprisal between the two countries. The coming days will be critical in determining whether tensions subside—or move closer to open confrontation.
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