"U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaches out to leaders of India and Pakistan in an effort to reduce geopolitical conflict"
Title: US Urges India and Pakistan to Collaborate After Deadly Pahalgam Attack
Chillin' with the Facts: Indian and US officials are urging cooperation between the two countries in the wake of the horrific terror attack in picturesque Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack, which claimed 26 lives, has led to calls for justice and de-escalation of tensions.
Down to Business: US Senator Marco Rubio recently spoke with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the fallout from the April 22 attack. According to a social media post by Jaishankar, he demanded that the perpetrators, supporters, and masterminds behind the Pahalgam terror attack be brought to justice.
Rubio expressed sorrow at the loss of lives and reaffirmed the US's commitment to cooperating with India in the fight against terrorism. He also implored both countries to work together to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia.
During his phone call with Sharif, Rubio emphasized the need to condemn the Pahalgam attack and urged Pakistani officials to cooperate in investigating the crime. He also encouraged Pakistan to collaborate with India in de-escalating tensions, re-establishing direct communications, and ensuring peace and security in the region.
Spillin' the Tea: Unidentified sources suggest that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack might include Hashim Musa, Ali Bhai, and Adil Hussain Thoker, all suspected members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group[1][3]. Musa, a former para-commando who was part of Pakistan's Special Service Group, is believed to be on the run in southern Kashmir[3].
Some reports also indicate the involvement of operatives based in Pakistan, with digital traces leading back to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi[1]. Although India and the US have not explicitly accused Pakistan of directly supporting the attack, the connections to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group with alleged ties to Pakistani elements, remain a concern.
Catch-up Corner: The US administration has not reached out to India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam attack, as this was the first time Rubio spoke with the leadership of both countries[5]. The calls followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to give the military complete operational freedom to respond to the attack.
Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, professed that his country wouldn't resort to any escalatory action but will respond strongly to India's escalatory moves[4]. Pakistan called for an independent and neutral investigation into the incident, as well as the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue for lasting peace in South Asia.
India retaliated with punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, downgrading diplomatic ties, and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan countered with closing its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending trade through third countries[5].
[1] "India Warns of Terror Consequences as Pahalgam Attack Death Toll Mounts," Asia Times, April 24, 2023.[2] "Supreme Court of India Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack," Supreme Court of India official statement, April 23, 2023.[3] "Indian Authorities Name Suspects in Pahalgam Terror Attack," Hindustan Times, April 24, 2023.[4] "Pakistan's deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar's statement on Pahalgam Attack," Government of Pakistan Press Release, April 24, 2023.[5] "US Senator Marco Rubio Leads Diplomatic Outreach on Pahalgam Attack Fallout," US State Department Press Release, April 24, 2023.
- US Senator Marco Rubio advocated for India and Pakistan to collaborate in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing the importance of both nations working together to de-escalate tensions and ensure peace and security in South Asia.
- The Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, demanded justice for the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that those responsible, including the perpetrators, supporters, and masterminds, should be brought to account.
- Reports suggest that suspected members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group could be involved in the Pahalgam attack, with unidentified sources indicating the perpetrators might include Hashim Musa, Ali Bhai, and Adil Hussain Thoker, among others.
- The US administration, represented by Senator Marco Rubio, has not explicitly accused Pakistan of directly supporting the attack, but the connections to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group with alleged ties to Pakistani elements, remain a concern.
- In response to the Pahalgam attack, India implemented punitive measures such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari border crossing, downgrading diplomatic ties, and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, while Pakistan countered with closing its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending trade through third countries.
