WASHINGTON: The recent increase in tensions between Pakistan and India should not make “some entities feel empowered”, US Secretary of State John Kerry warned at a news briefing on Tuesday after the telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Mr Kerry said he discussed with Mr Sharif “the recent increase in tensions between Pakistan and India”.

Another State Department official told reporters that Washington was “in touch with New Delhi” as well “at the highest level”.

Also read: John Kerry lauds Pakistan's counter-terrorism policy

Alarmed by the recent spate of threats and counter-threats exchanged between Pakistan and India, the United States has launched a diplomatic offensive to encourage the two countries to ease tensions and resume talks.

Soon after Secretary Kerry called Mr Sharif, the prime minister’s office issued a statement saying the conversation focused on Pakistan’s efforts to defeat terrorism.

Published in Dawn June 18th, 2015

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