US asks India to communicate directly with Pakistan, ease tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, stressing the need for India and Pakistan to de-escalate and open direct channels of communication, according to the US State Department.

He further proposed US support in facilitating productive discussions to avert future disputes, said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Earlier, Rubio had also held a call with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, where he delivered a similar message urging restraint and dialogue.