U.S. backs India, tells Pakistan to halt escalation after failed drone and missile assault

Why Did the U.S. Ask Pakistan to De-escalate Immediately?

Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, continues to draw international attention as the United States formally urged Pakistan to “de-escalate immediately” in the face of rapidly worsening tensions in South Asia. The directive was issued after Pakistan attempted to strike multiple high-value military targets across Indian territory using drones and missiles, only to be intercepted by Indian defence systems. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held direct telephonic conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to express American concern and reiterate support for diplomacy.

According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Secretary Rubio conveyed Washington’s deep concern over escalating conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The conversation with Sharif focused on urging “concrete steps” from Pakistan to dismantle terror networks and “immediate de-escalation” to prevent broader regional instability. Rubio also emphasised U.S. support for bilateral dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and conveyed sorrow over civilian casualties.

What Triggered the Latest Round of Escalation Between India and Pakistan?

This latest diplomatic intervention follows a failed attempt by the Pakistani military to attack over a dozen Indian locations late Thursday night. The offensive, described by Indian officials as a significant escalation, targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Jammu, Udhampur, Akhnoor, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and additional areas in Punjab and Rajasthan.

Defence sources indicated that Indian security installations, including the S-400 Triumf air defence system, were successful in neutralising the incoming threats. Two Pakistani drones were also confirmed to have been shot down during the attempted incursion. A precautionary blackout was implemented across sensitive regions including Jammu, Punjab, and parts of western India as Indian forces initiated countermeasures.

These attacks occurred within hours of an earlier failed strike attempt on Thursday morning, during which Indian forces intercepted aerial objects targeting up to 15 locations across northern and western India. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that locations such as Awantipura, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Chandigarh, and Bhuj were among those protected from drone and missile attacks.

How Has the U.S. Responded to India’s Counter-Terror Operations?

In his conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed U.S. solidarity with India in counterterrorism efforts. He condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, in which multiple civilians lost their lives, and offered condolences on behalf of the American government. According to the U.S. State Department, Rubio reiterated Washington’s commitment to strengthening anti-terror collaboration with India and recognised New Delhi’s sovereign right to defend itself against cross-border terrorism.

The call follows the U.S. administration’s pattern of expressing cautious support for Indian security responses while attempting to defuse bilateral military confrontations between India and Pakistan. By emphasizing de-escalation and direct communication, Washington is seeking to prevent any miscalculation that could spiral into broader conflict.

What Role Did Operation Sindoor Play in Escalating Military Action?

India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision military operation launched earlier this week, is believed to have catalysed the Pakistani offensive. The Indian government announced that it had targeted and destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These targets were described by Indian intelligence agencies as command centres used to plan and coordinate the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Indian armed forces reportedly deployed long-range precision strike weapons and special forces units to execute the cross-border raids. The operation was confirmed by the Defence Ministry, which described it as a “calibrated and limited” strike aimed at neutralising imminent threats. Officials noted that intelligence inputs identified nine active launchpads with links to terror outfits operating under the protection of the Pakistani security establishment.

Which Locations Were Targeted by Pakistan in Retaliation?

Following the destruction of its terror infrastructure, Pakistan launched retaliatory measures late Thursday night by attempting to strike multiple targets within Indian territory. According to the Press Information Bureau of India, Pakistan tried to engage military installations in Awantipura, Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj.

Despite the scale of the attempted attack, Indian defence systems intercepted and neutralised the aerial threats effectively. Defence officials attributed the success of the interceptions to India’s layered air defence architecture, which includes the S-400 systems and a growing network of integrated anti-drone technologies.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that civilian casualties were avoided and essential infrastructure remained protected due to early detection systems and pre-emptive counter-strike capabilities.

What Are the Broader Geopolitical Implications of the Exchange?

The renewed tension between India and Pakistan comes at a time of heightened global scrutiny of regional flashpoints. As both nations possess nuclear capabilities, even limited military exchanges have the potential to unsettle broader geopolitical equations, particularly in South and Central Asia.

The U.S. intervention, while supportive of India’s counterterrorism goals, signals a strong interest in maintaining stability in the subcontinent. Washington’s dual engagement with both India and Pakistan also underscores its balancing act, aimed at preventing any conflict from escalating beyond manageable thresholds.

Observers believe that the current cycle of retaliation could intensify unless both parties commit to backchannel diplomacy or third-party mediation. However, Indian officials have consistently stated that cross-border terror cannot be a subject of negotiation and must be met with forceful deterrence.

What Is the Outlook for India-Pakistan Relations Following Operation Sindoor?

In the immediate term, tensions remain elevated as India maintains high alert across its northern and western borders. Airbases, radar systems, and forward units are reportedly operating under wartime protocols. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s overt aggression, following the destruction of terror camps, has weakened its position internationally.

The strong U.S. messaging—urging Pakistan to end support for terror groups—has reinforced India’s long-standing claims about cross-border state-sponsored terrorism. The alignment between Washington and New Delhi on counterterror objectives is likely to grow stronger in the coming weeks.

Although a full-scale war remains unlikely, a continuation of calibrated strikes and counterstrikes appears plausible. India has indicated it will maintain the momentum of pre-emptive actions should new intelligence about imminent threats surface. Meanwhile, international stakeholders are expected to push for dialogue mechanisms, though past efforts have yielded little given Pakistan’s dual-track approach of engaging diplomatically while sheltering non-state actors.

With Operation Sindoor altering the balance of power in the India-Pakistan security landscape, and U.S. involvement intensifying, the trajectory of the crisis now hinges on Islamabad’s response to mounting diplomatic and military pressure.