India and Pakistan both said they will not escalate hostilities if the other reciprocates after they fired volleys of missiles across their borders. It was the most serious increase in hostilities so far in a conflict triggered by a gun massacre last month that India blames Pakistan for.
Pakistan’s foreign minister said on Saturday that his country would consider de-escalation if India stopped any further attacks. However, Ishaq Dar warned that if India launched any further strikes, “our response will follow.”
Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh told a news conference in New Delhi that her country was committed to “non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates.” However, Pakistani ground forces were observed mobilizing towards forward areas, she said, “indicating an offensive intent to further escalation.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday spoke with Indian officials and Pakistani army chief Asim Munir and urged both parties to find ways to de-escalate. He also offered U.S. assistance in starting constructive talks to avoid future conflicts, Rubio’s spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.