WASHINGTON: The United States urged India and Pakistan to pursue a “responsible resolution” and work for durable peace following a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
The US State Department said it has been in contact with both governments at multiple levels as tensions escalate after the April 22 attack, which left more than two dozen dead.
Meanwhile, China on Sunday backed Pakistan’s call for an “impartial probe” into India’s allegations. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it supports a neutral investigation, following a call between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Islamabad proposed that an investigative team could include experts from China, Russia, or Western countries. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said his government is open to participating in any neutral inquiry into the Pahalgam attack. Indian officials said three gunmen opened fire on unarmed tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam.
In response, India launched a series of diplomatic and security measures, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari to halt overland trade, and suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, giving those in India 40 hours to leave.
Both countries have also scaled back staff at their respective High Commissions. Indian officials defended the moves as necessary and proportionate. Pakistan, however, dismissed the accusations as “frivolous” and warned of reprisals if India takes further steps.
