Washington, May 8: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation after renewed cross-border firing by Pakistan along the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) border, according to the U.S. State Department.
During the call, Secretary Rubio expressed strong U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged ongoing efforts to maintain open communication channels.
“The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working with India in the fight against terrorism,” the State Department said in an official statement.
In response, Minister Jaishankar welcomed the U.S. commitment and reaffirmed India’s firm stance against escalation.
“Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Underlined India's targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation,” he added.
Tensions remain high along the India-Pakistan border following a major provocation in which Pakistan reportedly fired eight missiles targeting areas including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia. According to defense sources, all missiles were successfully intercepted by Indian air defense systems. The nature of the attack was likened to Hamas-style rocket assaults on Israeli cities, involving multiple low-cost projectiles.
In addition to the missile attack, Indian air defenses intercepted Pakistani drones over Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, with explosions reported in the area.
As a precaution, blackout orders have been issued in several regions, including Bikaner in Rajasthan and Jalandhar in Punjab. Other affected areas include Kishtwar, Akhnoor, Samba, Jammu, Amritsar, and parts of Punjab.
Further escalating tensions, Pakistan deployed loitering munitions targeting Jammu on Thursday, prompting return fire from Indian air defense units.
