'Perpetrators, planners must be brought to justice': Jaishankar raises Pahalgam attack with US

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday raised the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In a post on X after his conversation, Rubio said that the perpetrators, backers and planners of the attack must be brought to justice.

"Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice," the minister said on X.

Rubio spoke to both Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday and urged both sides to "de-escalate tensions".

In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the “horrific” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that had killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.

Rubio “reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” a statement issued by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

In his conversation with Sharif, Rubio spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam and urged Pakistani officials’ cooperation in investigating "this unconscionable attack."

He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications, and maintain peace and security in South Asia.

Rubio and Sharif “reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence." A press release by the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office said that Sharif briefed the US Secretary of State on Pakistan’s perspective regarding recent developments in South Asia following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated since the attack, with both countries scaling down diplomatic ties. Pakistan has also violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control over the last few days, with India responding appropriately.

(With inputs from PTI)