New Delhi/IBNS: Amid a major escalation between India and Pakistan, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to both Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and called for an immediate de-escalation.

Rubio has expressed his support for a direct dialogue between the two nuclear-armed nations and encouraged efforts to improve communications.

A statement released by US Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said: "Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.  The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation."

"He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications," the statement said.

"The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism," it said.

A similar statement was issued regarding his conversation with Shehbaz Sharif.

"Secretary Marco Rubio spoke today with Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications.

"The Secretary expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict. He reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups," it said.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that 'India will firmly counter any attempts at escalation'.

"Spoke with US @SecRubio  this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation," Jaishankar posted on X.

In response to India's Operation Sindoor targeting Pakistani terror bases, Pakistan Thursday launched major drone and missile strikes on parts of Jammu along with heavy shelling in Samba, Poonch, and other sectors. India has shot down three Pakistani fighter jets in a retaliatory action.

The Indian Navy has launched a fierce attack on Pakistan's naval base using MAG-29 from INS Vikrant, targeting the Karachi Port, media reports said.

The attack was launched from the Arabian Sea by the Indian Navy.

The attack on Pakistan's Naval base was a part of a multi-faceted operation by the Army, Navy and Airport in retaliation against Islamabad's unprovoked sporadic missile attack in Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan.

The Indian Army has activated a line of air defence systems, mainly the Russian-built S-400 air, to thwart Pakistan’s coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.