President Trump wants India, Pakistan issue to de-escalate as early as possible, says White House

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Amid escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, the White House on Friday said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in constant contact with the leaders of both the nations.

“Marco Rubio has been very much involved in the India-Pakistan issue and is in constant contact with leaders from both countries. The President wants it to de-escalate as early as possible. Rubio is trying to bring this conflict to an end,” White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told during a media briefing. “This is something that the Secretary of State and, of course, now our national security advisor as well, Marco Rubio, has been very much involved in."

She was responding to a question about the US efforts to mediate or have an impact on the conflict between India and Pakistan.

She said Trump “has good relationships” with the leaders of both countries, and Rubio has been in “constant communication with the leaders of both countries, trying to bring this conflict to an end.”

This comes after US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday that India and Pakistan should de-escalate tensions, but he added that the U.S. cannot control the nuclear-armed Asian neighbors and a war between them would be "none of our business".

"We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can't control these countries, though," Vance said in an interview on Fox News show "The Story with Martha MacCallum."

On Thursday,  Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising the need for de-escalation and reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.

During his call, Jaishankar conveyed to Rubio that India will firmly counter any attempts by Pakistan to escalate the situation.

Jaishankar on Friday also  thanked India's global allies for understanding the country's "resolute response" amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.

Jaishankar, who was speaking at the Victory Day joint reception at Russian embassy, said that the gathering comes at a time when India is confronting the challenge of terrorism.

"We also meet at a time when India is confronting the challenge of terrorism, one that is a shared threat to the global community. I thank those who have expressed solidarity with us and understand the resolute response that is underway," he said.

Earlier, on Thursday, Jaishankar said India has no intention to escalate tensions with Pakistan but any military attacks on its soil will be met with a "very" firm response.