The United States has sent a clear message to India, asking it not to engage in any act of aggression and maintain regional peace and stability, amidst tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced it after meeting Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri in Washington.
The two sides also talked about bilateral relations and the current situation in South Asia, as per US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Diplomatic sources also added that, during the meeting, the American side aired its fears of further escalation between India and Pakistan and emphasized the need for restraint and constructive engagement to maintain regional stability.
The Indian government accused Pakistan on May 6 of being complicit in the killing of tourists in Pahalgam, located in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir region, prompting the current round of talks.
Islamabad flatly rejected the claim and then, in retaliation for what it called “unprovoked aggression”, Pakistan’s army shot down six Indian planes, including a Rafale combat jet and a surveillance drone, according to reports.
The US facilitated a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours after the escalation. Although the ceasefire has held so far, diplomatic watchers say that Indian provocations continue to stand in the way of long-term stability.
Shri Vikram Misri started a three-day Washington visit on May 27 for further consolidation of bilateral relations with the US. Issues related to regional security were said to have been on top of the agenda.
In the Wednesday evening meeting, Deputy Secretary Landau backed America’s strategic ties with India and stressed that India must protect peace in South Asia while maintaining the relationship.
