De-Escalate Tensions, India-Pakistan Situation Threat To Global Peace: US Lawmakers

Expressing ‘grave concern’ over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a group of American lawmakers and urged the US ambassadors in New Delhi and Islamabad to “de-escalate tensions” between India and Pakistan. The US Congressmen, Kenneth Juster and Paul W Jones said there is risk that the relationship between India and Pakistan will continue to devolve as a result of this crisis. Signatories to the letter are lawmakers Ilhan Omar, Raul M Grijalva, Andy Levin, James P McGovern, Ted Lieu, Donald Beyer and Alan Lowenthal.

“This presents tremendous danger to global peace and a clear national security risk for the United States. Pakistan and India are both valued allies, crucial to our interests in the region, including the Afghanistan peace process,” the letter said.

“It is of utmost importance that we leverage our relationships with their government to deescalate the situation,” the Congressmen said and urged the two American diplomats to do everything in their power to “de-escalate the tensions”.

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after India abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Pakistan.

Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian high commissioner following the revocation of Article 370. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• American lawmakers urged the US ambassadors in New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate tensions.
• Lawmakers urged the two American diplomats to do everything in their power to de-escalate the tensions.
• Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after India abrogated provisions of Article 370.