US hails diplomacy behind Pakistan–India truce, says it helped avert ‘potential catastrophe’

The United States played a decisive role in preventing a major conflict between Pakistan and India during their recent hostilities, a top US official said Tuesday, highlighting Washington’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.

“Obviously, we had an experience with Pakistan and India when there was a conflict, one that could have developed into something quite horrible,” said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce during a press briefing. 

“I was here at the State Department at the time, and there was immediate concern and immediate movement with the Vice President, the President, and the Secretary of State in addressing the nature of what was happening.”

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Bruce recounted how top US leadership moved swiftly to engage both sides. “Many of you who were in the room in the days afterwards, we described the nature of the phone calls, the work that we did to stop the attacks, and to then bring the parties together so we could have something that was enduring,” she said.

She praised the efforts of Secretary Rubio and Vice President Vance, calling it “a very proud moment and a very good example” of American diplomacy, that prevented a “potential catastrophe.”

On broader relations, Bruce noted, “Our relationship with both nations is as it has been, which is good… the benefit of having a president who knows everyone, talks to everyone… the diplomats here are committed to both nations.”

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Highlighting ongoing cooperation, she said, “There has been a US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue that was established... reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism.”

Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Dialogue was held in Islamabad and co-chaired by Special Secretary Nabeel Munir and US Acting Coordinator Gregory LoGerfo. Both sides pledged enhanced cooperation against groups like BLA, and other extremist terror groups.