US for direct talks as India, Pakistan trade diplomatic expulsions amid espionage claims

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a brief military confrontation, the United States has urged both countries to maintain direct lines of communication in the interest of preserving regional stability. The appeal came as both New Delhi and Islamabad expelled diplomatic staff members from each other's missions in a tit-for-tat move over allegations of espionage.

Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the US State Department, welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and praised the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for “choosing the path of peace”.

Addressing a media briefing, Pigott stated, “We urge both sides to maintain direct communication to preserve regional stability. The President has been very clear in praising both prime ministers for the wisdom and fortitude shown in de-escalating tensions.”

While declining to comment on private diplomatic exchanges, including those involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s conversations with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Asim Munir, Pigott reiterated Washington’s emphasis on continued dialogue. “We continue to encourage direct communication. That is something we’ve been clear about,” he said, when asked about India’s apparent disinterest in third-party mediation.

Pigott declined to offer comments on reports concerning radiation leaks at Pakistani nuclear sites, saying only that the administration’s current focus remained on the ceasefire and stability in the region.

Even as Washington extended an olive branch, New Delhi declared a Pakistani official posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata for allegedly indulging in espionage and activities inconsistent with diplomatic norms. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the official had been given 24 hours to leave the country, and a formal demarche was issued to Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires in the Indian capital.

Though the MEA refrained from disclosing specific charges, it is understood that the expulsion is linked to an ongoing investigation by Punjab Police. According to the state’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, two individuals — including a woman — have been arrested for allegedly leaking sensitive information about Indian Army movements to a handler associated with the Pakistani official. The arrests followed earlier detentions of Falaksher Masih and Suraj Masih by Amritsar Rural Police for passing on photographs of cantonment areas and airbases.

In a swift retaliatory measure, Pakistan expelled a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad issued a statement declaring the individual persona non grata for “engaging in activities incompatible with his privileged status” and asked him to leave the country within 24 hours. The Indian Charge d’Affaires was summoned and handed a demarche communicating the decision.

The reciprocal expulsions underscore the fragile nature of India-Pakistan ties, even as international observers urge restraint and dialogue. While the recent ceasefire offers a brief reprieve, the allegations of espionage and the diplomatic fallout suggest that deeper tensions remain unresolved.

 With agency inputs