US Urges India, Pakistan To Take Steps To De-Escalate Tensions

Washington: Deeply concerned over the growing confrontation between India and Pakistan, the US Wednesday urged the nuclear-armed neighbours to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, warning that the potential risks associated with further military action by either side are unacceptably high for both the countries.

“The United States is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan and calls on both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation,” said an official of the National Security Council (NSC) of the White House.

“The potential risks associated with further military action by either side are unacceptably high for both countries, their neighbours, and the international community,” the NSC official told a news gathering agency PTI on the condition of anonymity.

The official was responding to a question on Pakistan shooting down two Indian fighter jets over Pakistani air space and arresting a pilot.

On Wednesday, Pakistan shot down two Indian fighter jets over Pakistani air space and arrested a pilot.

The official declined to comment on direct communication between the national security advisors of the two countries.

“We decline to comment on specific discussions; however, reports that India coordinated its military response with the United States are inaccurate,” the official said.