The United States has issued a strong warning to India, urging restraint and caution amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, and emphasizing the need to maintain regional peace and stability in South Asia.
This message was conveyed during a high-level meeting in Washington between Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. According to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the talks covered bilateral relations as well as the growing volatility in the region.
Diplomatic sources revealed that the US delegation expressed deep concern over the potential for renewed conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Washington stressed the importance of restraint and constructive diplomacy, warning that unilateral actions could undermine regional security.
The diplomatic exchange follows a recent surge in hostilities after India accused Pakistan of involvement in the May 6 deaths of tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless, and in response to what it termed “unprovoked aggression,” Pakistan’s military claimed to have shot down six Indian aircraft, including a Rafale fighter jet and a surveillance drone.
In the aftermath of the incident, the US is believed to have played a key mediating role in securing a ceasefire between the two sides. While the ceasefire remains intact, diplomatic observers say Indian provocations are still a threat to lasting peace.
Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit to Washington, which began on May 27, is officially part of a broader effort to strengthen US-India strategic ties. However, regional security issues have dominated the agenda, particularly in light of recent developments in Kashmir.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Deputy Secretary Landau reiterated America’s commitment to its strategic partnership with India, but emphasized that this alliance must not compromise peace in South Asia. “The United States has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid unilateral actions that could destabilize the region,” a senior US official stated.
In addition to regional tensions, the meeting also addressed other elements of bilateral cooperation, including increased market access for American companies, enhanced collaboration on migration, and joint efforts to curb narcotics trafficking.
The US has reportedly maintained discreet backchannel communications with both India and Pakistan in recent weeks, aiming to prevent further escalation and to foster renewed dialogue on critical issues such as Kashmir.
