Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday engaged in a conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, emphasizing the urgent need for Pakistan and India to de-escalate current tensions. The dialogue comes amid heightened concerns over recent exchanges between the two neighboring countries.

In a statement, the US State Department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, revealed that Secretary Rubio also reached out to Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, advocating for the re-establishment of direct communication channels to prevent any potential miscalculations that could exacerbate the situation further.

Rubio extended an offer for US assistance to facilitate constructive talks aimed at forestalling future conflicts. The outreach is part of a broader diplomatic effort to stabilize the region, following recent military activities between India and Pakistan.

A senior official from Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that Secretary Rubio and DPM Dar specifically discussed the situation in South Asia, referencing Indian attacks on Pakistan and the subsequent response from Pakistan.

The leaders concurred on the importance of maintaining close contact moving forward, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue to address the ongoing issues.

The initiative by the United States reflects a continued interest in promoting peace and stability in the region through diplomatic engagement.