New Delhi, April 30 -- to urge restraint, the State Department confirmed on Tuesday (April 29), following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that has reignited tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

"We are reaching out to both parties and telling, of course, them to not escalate the situation," said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce during a briefing with reporters.

She added, "The secretary expects to speak with the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India as early as today or tomorrow."

Bruce noted that Rubio is also encouraging a broader diplomatic effort to defuse the crisis.

"He is encouraging other national leaders, other foreign ministers, to also reach out to the countries on this issue," she said...