Pakistan-India war could have been ‘catastrophic’: US

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) played a key role in defusing recent tensions between Pakistan and India, preventing what officials described as a potential catastrophe, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing, Bruce recalled how top US leadership, including the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State, acted swiftly when hostilities escalated between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

“There was immediate concern and immediate movement,” she said, describing urgent phone calls and diplomatic efforts that helped halt attacks and bring both sides to the table. She called it “a proud moment” and an example of Washington’s commitment to peace.

Bruce said US ties with Islamabad and New Delhi remain “good” and noted President’s personal outreach to leaders of both nations. She also pointed to continued cooperation with Pakistan in security matters.

Pakistan and US promise to root out terrorism

Meanwhile Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday vowed to eradicate terrorism, “reaffirming their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.

A joint statement issued after the Pakistan-US Counter-Terrorism Dialogue reads, “Both delegations underscored the critical importance of developing effective approaches to terrorist threats, including those posed by Balochistan Liberation Army [BLA], ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP].”

On the other hand, Pakistan and the United States reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the two nations.

They emphasised that “sustained and structured engagement remains vital to countering terrorism and promoting peace and stability”.