US expresses deep concern over current Indo-Pak situation, Kerry asks Sushma not to escalate the situation

As India and other South Asian countries boycott what was set to be a historic regional summit in Islamabad, SAARC, the United States asks India not to escalate the situation with Pakistan.

According to Indian Express, the US Secretary of State John Kerry has had two conversations over the last two days with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the same.

If sources are to be believed, after Uri attack, this is the first time that the US has spoken to the Indian leadership at a senior political level.

The conversations between Kerry and Swaraj took place in the backdrop of the intense atmosphere going on between India and Pakistan.

Soon after reviewing the implementation of Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement that has survived their subsequent conflicts, India decided to pull out of the SAARC summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also chair a meeting to review the Most Favored Nation Status to Pakistan on Thursday.

Also on Wednesday, the Wall Street had praised the Indian side for its restraint and resilience in dealing with Pakistan when it comes to bilateral, strategic relations.

Earlier, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner also said “We’ve seen some progress; we want to see more, and I think moving forward we’ll just continue to work closely and try to encourage greater counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan but also within the region.”