India, May 1 -- US Secretary Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in separate calls on Wednesday and urged both countries to de-escalate tensions.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Marco Rubio had expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and had reaffirmed the United States' commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism.

Rubio also called on Pakistan to condemn the attack, and cooperate with investigation efforts.

"He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia," stated Tammy Bruce.

On April 22, a terroris...