• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calls for de-escalation after Kashmir attack kills 26.
• Rubio speaks separately with Indian and Pakistani officials, urging cooperation.
• Both nations adopt retaliatory measures and face accusations of cross-border terrorism.
• Continued calls for restraint from the international community amid rising tensions.
• India's government remains firm on holding Pakistan accountable for the attack.

Following a deadly militant attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to work together to de-escalate tensions. He communicated separately with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security in South Asia, according to TRT, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

In his discussions, Rubio expressed sorrow for the lives lost in the attack and highlighted the importance of collaboration in the investigation, urging Pakistan to engage constructively with India. Pakistan's Sharif, however, countered allegations of involvement in the attack, prompting him to request that the US encourage India to moderate its rhetoric, as reported by South China Morning Post and BBC.

India's government has reacted to the attack by implementing various measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani diplomats. The already strained relations have deteriorated further, with both sides accusing each other of escalating provocations. India has reported increased ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, contributing to an uptick in military tensions, according to The Hill and New York Times.

Efforts to prevent further military confrontation continue, with Rubio's calls marking a significant push for de-escalation from the US. Both nations remain on high alert, with India reinforcing its military readiness and Pakistan maintaining a defensive posture against actions it perceives as escalatory from India. The situation has drawn international concern, with global leaders urging restraint from both countries, as reported by India Times and The Hill.