In a day of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad early on Saturday opened a massive military operation, attacking several strategic locations across northern India, including a missile depot complex. This is the most intense military clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in almost three decades.

In reaction to this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with the leaders of both India and Pakistan. Rubio talked with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He emphasised that both sides need to identify methods to de-escalate and re-establish direct communication to avoid miscalculation. He further proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes. Jaishankar posted on X formerly Twitter, "Had a conversation with US Secretary Marco Rubio this morning. India’s approach has always been measured and responsible and remains so."

A US State Department official confirmed that Rubio also called Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, just after the IMF approved a 1 billion USD bailout for Pakistan. In the conversation, Rubio stressed the importance of "avoiding further conflict" and reiterated Washington's readiness to assist "constructive dialogue" between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia Steps In, Sends Envoy for Peace Talks

In a parallel diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia said it was working to ease tensions through diplomatic channels. The Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom said that by directives from the Saudi leadership, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir paid visits to New Delhi and Islamabad on May 8 and 9. The visits were within Saudi Arabia's "ongoing efforts to reduce tensions, halt military clashes, and support peaceful solutions.

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Also read: US Secretary Rubio Speaks To Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir; Urges To 'De-escalate'

Pakistan Targets Key Indian Installations

Pakistan conducted precision military strikes on several Indian installations, defence officials have said. The missile depot facility targeted in northern India is said to be of strategic significance. Tensions ran high after India executed precision military strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and PoK earlier this week, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which had seen reported cross-border connections. India's Defence Ministry said that the nation's air defense systems effectively chased away a new wave of drone attacks by Pakistan on Friday night. Up to 26 locations in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat were targeted. There was no significant damage or casualties.

With both nations in possession of nuclear arsenals, international observers and world powers are expressing growing concern over the potential for large-scale escalation.  The United Nations, European Union, and other allies are said to be tracking the situation closely, calling on both New Delhi and Islamabad to be cautious and resort to diplomatic efforts again.

 Also read: Pakistan Echoes Hamas Tactics After Pahalgam Terror Attack, India Counters With ‘Iron Dome’ Like Defence Strategy


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