The United States played a pivotal role in averting a potential crisis between Pakistan and India during their recent hostilities, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. She highlighted Washington’s decisive intervention, which helped steer both nations away from the brink of disaster.
“During the conflict between Pakistan and India, there was a clear risk of escalation into something truly catastrophic,” Bruce told reporters at a State Department briefing. “I was at the State Department at the time, and there was an immediate, coordinated response from the Vice President, the President, and the Secretary of State to address the situation as it unfolded.”
Bruce reflected on the swift and intensive diplomatic efforts led by U.S. leadership. “In the days that followed, many of you heard us describe the nature of the phone calls and the urgent work we undertook to stop further attacks and bring both parties to the table,” she said. “It was a proud moment and a strong example of the leadership shown by Secretary Rubio, Vice President Vance, and the entire diplomatic team in averting what could have been a dire situation.”
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She added that the U.S. continues to maintain positive relationships with both Pakistan and India. “Our ties with both nations remain strong, and that’s the advantage of having a president who engages with everyone and fosters dialogue,” Bruce said. “This commitment to diplomacy allows us to bridge differences and work toward solutions.”
Bruce also emphasized ongoing U.S.-Pakistan security cooperation, specifically through the U.S.-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue. “During this dialogue in Islamabad, both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms,” she noted. “We discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter terrorist threats, which is vital for regional and global stability.”
On Tuesday, Pakistan and the U.S. jointly renewed their commitment to countering terrorism during the latest round of the Counterterrorism Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Special Secretary for the United Nations, Nabeel Munir, and U.S. Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo. According to a joint statement, both sides stressed the importance of effective strategies to address threats, including those posed by groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Daesh-Khorasan (ISIS-K), and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
This dialogue followed the U.S. State Department’s designation of the BLA and its Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations, following a series of deadly attacks. Both delegations underscored the need for stronger institutional frameworks and enhanced capabilities to address evolving security challenges, including the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist groups.
The U.S. delegation praised Pakistan’s successes in countering terrorist entities that threaten peace and security in the region and globally. Washington also expressed condolences for the loss of civilians and law enforcement personnel in recent attacks, including the Jaffar Express train assault and the Khuzdar school bus bombing. Discussions focused on fostering collaboration to build a safer future, benefiting both nations and the region as a whole.
