'Will firmly counter any escalation attempt': Jaishankar tells Marco Rubio amid Pak's failed attacks

EAM Dr S Jaishankar - File Photo

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday night spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed to him that India will firmly counter any attempts by Pakistan to escalate the situation.

Following the phone conversation, Jaishankar underlined India's targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism.

"Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism," Jaishankar said in a social media post.

Had a telecon with DPM & FM @Antonio_Tajani of Italy.Discussed Indias targeted and measured response to firmly counter terrorism. Any escalation will see a strong response.
Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 8, 2025

"Underlined India's targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation," he said.

The phone conversation came as India on Thursday night swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles including in Jammu and Pathankot after foiling similar bids at 15 places in northern and western regions of the country, as tensions soared between the two countries amid fears of a wider conflict.

The renewed attempts and intense shelling by the Pakistani forces on the Line of Control(LoC) and the International Border(IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan came after India on Thursday morning targeted Pakistani air defence systems at multiple cities with one in Lahore being "neutralised".

The Indian armed forces on Wednesday had carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under ‘Operation Sindoor’.

US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Rubio emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation.

"He expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications," she said.

"The secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism," Bruce added.