Washington– The United States has urged India and Pakistan to maintain direct lines of communication to help preserve regional peace and stability, reiterating its readiness to support efforts that prevent further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
“We urge both sides to maintain direct communication to preserve regional stability,” said Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, during a daily press briefing. He welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for what he called “choosing the path of peace” and demonstrating “strength, wisdom, and fortitude.”
Pigott emphasized that the U.S. focus remains on two key areas regarding the India-Pakistan situation: the ceasefire and continued direct communication. He reiterated Washington’s support for sustained dialogue as essential for long-term peace in South Asia.
Earlier, President Donald Trump commented on the situation while in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his three-nation tour of West Asia. Trump said he had used the promise of enhanced trade relations with the U.S. to help persuade both countries to end hostilities.
When asked whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio had received specific commitments from Pakistan regarding counterterrorism during recent discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, Pigott declined to disclose details of the conversations. “I’m not going to talk about private diplomatic conversations,” he said. “What I can reiterate is that we welcome the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan and commend both prime ministers for choosing the path of peace. We continue to encourage direct communication between the parties.”
Regarding India’s reported rejection of U.S. mediation efforts, Pigott said, “I’m not going to speculate on that. What I can say is that we continue to encourage direct communication. The President has been clear in his praise for both leaders for pursuing peace and demonstrating wisdom and fortitude.”
Pigott also declined to comment on recent reports alleging radiation leaks at Pakistani nuclear sites. (Source: IANS)
