New Delhi, May 1 - The US has urged India and Pakistan to reduce tensions between the two countries after the April 22 terror attack and 'work together'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday held separate talks with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
During a phone call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed grief over the 26 lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio reaffirmed 'US commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism'. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to reduce tensions in South Asia and maintain peace and security.
A few hours after his phone call with Rubio, Jaishankar on Thursday said that the perpetrators, supporters and conspirators of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice.
The external affairs minister said on 'X', "Discussed the Pahalgam terror attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Its perpetrators, supporters and conspirators must be brought to justice." India has promised to punish those involved in the attack, citing the 'cross-border link' of this horrific attack.
Meanwhile, in his conversation with Sharif, Rubio spoke about the need to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack. Rubio and Sharif “reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.” “The Secretary urged Pakistani authorities to cooperate in the investigation of this reckless attack. He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to reduce tensions, restore direct communication, and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” Bruce said.