WASHINGTON, Friday, May 2, 2025 (WNP): The United States on Thursday called on India and Pakistan to pursue a “responsible solution” to the escalating crisis following last week’s deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, amid growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

“We are in constant communication and are urging both parties to seek a responsible resolution,” said State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a daily press briefing.

Responding to a question, Bruce said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. In those conversations, Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of safeguarding long-term peace and stability in South Asia.

Bruce further noted that President Donald Trump’s administration remains actively engaged in efforts to defuse tensions between the two countries.

Echoing Washington’s condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam — which killed 26 tourists — Bruce reiterated U.S. solidarity with India. “As the President conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, the United States stands firmly with India in the fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi has our full support,” she said.

At the same time, Bruce stressed the need for de-escalation. “Secretary Rubio has encouraged both sides to work toward a solution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability. We remain in contact with both governments at multiple levels.”

Pakistan, meanwhile, has strongly rejected India’s accusations of involvement in the Pahalgam incident and has called for an international investigation to establish the facts.

Tensions have since heightened dramatically. Both countries have shut down their airspace to each other, and India has announced a unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — a key agreement governing shared river resources.