Pahalgam Terror Attack: US urges India, Pakistan to avoid escalation as PM Modi gives military ‘complete operational freedom’

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following last week’s deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, the United States has called on both nations to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to speak with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to personally convey Washington’s concerns.  

“We are reaching out to both parties and telling, of course, them not to escalate the situation,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a press briefing, reading out a statement from Secretary Rubio. “The Secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow,”  Bruce noted.

Also Read: Pahalgam Terror Attack | Deliver ‘crushing blow to terrorism’: PM Narendra Modi’s fiery directive to armed forces post

She added that Rubio has urged other world leaders and foreign ministers to also reach out to the two South Asian neighbours with the same message of restraint. Bruce also mentioned that the US has engaged with both countries at levels beyond the foreign ministers, though she did not provide further details.

PM Modi gives armed forces free hand  

The US appeal came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on Tuesday. During the meeting, Modi gave the armed forces “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of our response,” according to official sources.  

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi had a conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which he declared, “India is determined to bring the perpetrators and backers of this cowardly and heinous terrorist attack to justice.” This was seen as a pointed reference to Pakistan’s alleged role in backing the attackers.

Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, voiced American support for India’s counter-terror response. In a post on X, she expressed backing for India’s effort to “hunt down” the attackers.

Also Read:Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, urges special Parliament session in wake of Pahalgam attack 

Pakistan claims India may launch military action within 24–36 hours

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed that Islamabad had “credible intelligence” suggesting India is planning military action within the next 24 to 36 hours. He warned of serious consequences if India proceeded with what he described as an offensive based on “baseless and concocted allegations.”

Tarar reiterated that Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism and had condemned it in all forms. He said Islamabad had offered a “credible, transparent and independent” investigation through an international commission of experts, but accused New Delhi of rejecting dialogue in favour of confrontation.

“Any military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively,” Tarar said, adding that the “onus of any escalatory spiral and its consequences shall squarely lie with India.”

In a series of retaliatory measures, India has expelled Pakistani military attaches, suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals since April 27, and ordered the immediate closure of the Attari land border crossing.

(With inputs from agencies)