The Pentagon has said Acting United States Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan is focused on de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and has urged them both to avoid further military action. The Pentagon said in a statement that Shanahan had spoken with senior US military officials about the situation. "Acting Secretary Shanahan's focus is on de-escalating tensions and urging both of the nations to avoid further military action," it added.
In his television address, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "It was our plan to not cause any collateral damage, and not to cause any casualties. We simply wanted to show capability. Two Indian MiGs crossed Pakistan's Borders, and we shot them down. I want to now address India and say let sanity prevail." Pakistani jets had targeted military installations in India a day after Indian fighter jets crossed the Line of Control and carried out air strikes at a major terror camp. An IAF pilot was also captured by Pakistan forces.
Meanwhile, Canada Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland is urging India and Pakistan to “exercise maximum restraint” as tensions over the disputed Kashmir region mount. Freeland issued a statement calling on both countries to “avoid any further military escalation” following Pakistan’s shooting down of two Indian military aircraft in response to Indian airstrikes.
