On May 12, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in separate phone conversations with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address escalating global tensions, particularly concerning the India-Pakistan conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In his discussion with Lammy, Rubio emphasized the importance of maintaining the recently brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which had been facilitated by U.S. diplomatic efforts. Both leaders advocated for open communication channels between the two nations to prevent further escalation. This comes in the wake of a significant flare-up in Kashmir, involving missile and drone exchanges that resulted in nearly 70 fatalities—the worst in three decades. While Pakistan has welcomed U.S. mediation, India remains cautious, viewing the Kashmir issue as a domestic matter and expressing reluctance toward third-party involvement .

In his conversation with Chancellor Merz, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. He congratulated Merz on his recent appointment and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in bringing the war to an end. This dialogue aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to encourage NATO allies to contribute more equitably to the alliance’s efforts. Rubio is scheduled to attend an informal NATO foreign ministers meeting in Turkey from May 14-16, focusing on strategies to end the Russia-Ukraine war and laying the groundwork for the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague in June .

These diplomatic engagements underscore the United States’ active role in addressing multiple international crises, balancing its involvement in South Asian tensions while reinforcing commitments to European allies amid ongoing conflicts.

Source: Reuters