The United States has declared its intention to refrain from involvement in the tensions between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to avoid escalating the situation and seek resolution through dialogue. During a press briefing, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized this stance, responding to inquiries regarding a Guardian report citing Pakistani officials alleging extrajudicial killings of individuals linked to terrorism and extremism by India within Pakistani territory. Indian authorities have dismissed the report as “false and fabricated.”
Pakistan contends that India has targeted “hostile” individuals on Pakistani soil. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the necessity for dialogue to address the “heightened friction” between Pakistan and India during a meeting in Riyadh. A joint statement by Pakistan’s foreign office and the Saudi government underscored the significance of dialogue in resolving outstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure regional peace and stability.
Tensions persist between the two countries as Pakistan continues to support terrorism through state mechanisms and employs it as a tool of statecraft to foment instability in Jammu and Kashmir and other areas of the subcontinent. India has consistently rejected offers from third parties to mediate between the two nations, advocating for bilateral discussions to address issues. Additionally, India has stipulated that talks will not occur until Islamabad ceases using terrorism as a foreign policy instrument to disrupt border regions and stops opposing the abrogation of Article 370.
