De-Escalation Plea: Marco Rubio Reaches Out to Jaishankar and Shehbaz Sharif

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged immediate de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India. He separately spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the importance of remaining calm.

India's Measured Response

Rubio was assured by Jaishankar that India will firmly respond to any escalation, but reiterated India's resolve for a targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism.

Escalating Tensions

The demands are made amidst increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan launching missiles and drones targeting several Indian cities on the border, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

India's Air Defense System

India's air defense system intercepted and destroyed incoming missiles and drones, with the Indian Army and Air Force using advanced surface-to-air missile defense systems.

Retaliation and Consequences  

India struck back a few hours later, firing missiles on Pakistan's side in self-defense. The Indian military confirmed that Pakistan's attacks struck a number of military outposts, and India shot down three Pakistani planes.