US State Department Offers Cautious Response to RMN News Queries on India-Pakistan Conflict

US State Department Offers Cautious Response to RMN News Queries on India-Pakistan Conflict

• US Urges Dialogue: State Department calls on India and Pakistan for direct talks to ease tensions after the Pahalgam attack.
• Queries Unanswered: US response avoids specific questions on Pakistan’s involvement and Indian government claims.
• Trump-Brokered Ceasefire: US President intervenes to secure a ceasefire, seen by some as a shift in India’s bilateral stance.
• Calls for Kashmir Mediation: Intervention sparks debate on US role in resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | May 13, 2025

The escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, have prompted international concern. In an effort to gain clarity on the United States’ position, the Managing Editor of RMN News, Rakesh Raman, reached out to the US Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio, on May 8, 2025, with a series of pointed questions regarding the conflict and Pakistan’s alleged involvement.

State Department’s Measured Response

The statement, attributed to a State Department spokesperson, emphasized the US’s desire for de-escalation and peaceful resolution. “We continue to urge India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that restores peace and regional stability,” the spokesperson stated.

The response further highlighted the US support for direct dialogue between the two nations, encouraging “continued efforts to improve communication, reduce tensions, and put a stop to this violence.” The State Department also affirmed its ongoing engagement with both governments, stating, “We remain in touch with the governments of both countries and are monitoring developments closely.”  

Queries Left Unanswered

Notably, the State Department’s response refrained from directly addressing the specific queries raised by RMN News. These questions included:

• Whether the US has seen evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
• The nature of evidence convincing the US of Pakistan-based terrorists’ culpability.
• The US’s satisfaction with India’s claims of Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
• Evidence of current terror camps in Pakistan, despite its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.
• The US’s stance on India’s “Operation Sindoor” airstrikes and Pakistan’s claims of civilian casualties.
• The possibility of the Indian government leveraging terror attacks for electoral gains, referencing concerns raised by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
• The potential for US intervention to halt the conflict and resolve the Kashmir issue.

The lack of direct answers to these critical questions leaves room for interpretation and raises further questions about the extent of the US’s knowledge and its willingness to publicly address the core issues fueling the conflict.

Related Articles

[ UN Security Council Petition to End India-Pakistan Conflict ]

[ India’s Terror Claims Against Pakistan Lack Evidence, Fuel Regional Tensions ]

[ Can Parliamentary Session Investigate Pakistan’s Role in the Pahalgam Terror Attack? ]

[ Modi Accused of Exploiting Pakistan Conflict for Political Gain ]

Background: A Timeline of Escalation

The current crisis was triggered by the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, swiftly accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack. This accusation was made without the public presentation of conclusive evidence and prior to any independent investigation, a proposal put forth by Islamabad that included the involvement of the UN or the US. Pakistan has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, claiming to have destroyed terror camps within Pakistani territory. Pakistan, however, countered these claims, asserting that the airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties. 

US Intervention and Ceasefire

Adding another layer to the unfolding events, US President Donald Trump intervened on May 10, 2025, successfully brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This intervention has been met with mixed reactions. Critics within India view Modi’s acceptance of a US-brokered ceasefire as a sign of weakness and a departure from India’s long-held policy of addressing disputes with Pakistan bilaterally, without external interference.

Calls for Further International Involvement

The fragile ceasefire has ignited discussions about the need for more comprehensive international intervention, particularly regarding the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Advocates for intervention argue that President Trump should now mediate the Kashmir issue, citing the alleged persecution of Kashmiri people and the need to restore democracy through their right to self-determination in the disputed territory.

Unanswered Questions and the Path Forward

The US State Department’s cautious response underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the India-Pakistan conflict. While urging de-escalation and dialogue is a welcome step, the lack of specific answers to crucial questions leaves many aspects of the situation shrouded in uncertainty.

RMN News will continue to press for greater transparency and accountability from all parties involved as the situation unfolds. The need for a peaceful and just resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict remains paramount for regional stability and the well-being of the people in both India and Pakistan.

By Rakesh Raman, who is a national award-winning journalist and social activist. He is the founder of a humanitarian organization RMN Foundation which is working in diverse areas to help the disadvantaged and distressed people in the society.