US pushes for de-escalation amid rising tensions between India & Pakistan

Amid the rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, the US has said it is reaching out to both the nations asking them to not escalate the matter. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to call up External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and also Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday, said: "We are reaching out to both parties and telling them to not escalate the situation." On Monday, a US State Department press statement stated that the US was in touch with the leadership of both Pakistan and India.

"The Secretary (Rubio) expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow. He is encouraging other national leaders and other foreign ministers to also reach out to both the countries on this issue," Bruce added.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker on Wednesday met the Pakistan foreign minister as part of its efforts to de-escalate tensions with India. The Pakistan Foreign Office said Baker conveyed the US desire for de-escalation and that it would stay engaged with both countries on the evolving situation.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar also expressed concern over the escalating tensions and urged both both nations to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve disputes through diplomatic means.