'De-escalate, Re-establish Dialogue': US Secy of State Marco Rubio to India, Pak

G7 nations also encouraged "both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome."

Marco Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to "find ways to de-escalate," in what is being seen as the worst conflagration between the two neighbouring nations since the 1971 War.

(Image: The Quint)

Even as the Indian Armed Forces continues to intercept and block Pakistan's aggression along the western border, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday, 10 May.

Rubio urged both parties to "find ways to de-escalate," in what is being seen as the worst conflagration between the two neighbouring nations since the 1971 War.

The move came after Pakistan attempted multiple drone intrusions and heavy shelling all through Friday night at around 26 locations along the western border in India. One such Pakistani drone hit a civilian residence in Punjab's Ferozepur, injuring at least three people, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press briefing on Saturday morning. Several people are reported to be injured across Jammu and Kashmir as Pakistan resumed shelling. Catch LIVE updates here.

Here's what Rubio told India and Pakistan this morning:

'De-escalate and Re-establish Communication': Rubio

In his call to India's S Jaishankar, Rubio emphasised that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation, spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated.

He further proposed US support in "facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes."

While speaking to Pakistan's General Munir, Rubio reiterated the need to de-escalate and "offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts," spokesperson Bruce said.

G7 Nations Urge India, Pakistan to De-Escalate

In a statement issued by the G7 foreign ministers on 9 May, the countries called for "immediate de-escalation", and encouraged "both countries to engage in direct dialogue towards a peaceful outcome."

The G7—or the Group of Seven—is an intergovernmental political and economic forum comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, as well as the European Union as the non-enumerated member.

"We strongly condemn the egregious terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and urge maximum restraint from both India and Pakistan. Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides."

Talking of continuing to monitor events closely, the G7 nations expressed their "support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution".