Int’l Desk:

India and Pakistan have signaled that they will not escalate hostilities further—provided the other side does the same—after both nations exchanged missile fire across their borders.

The exchange marked the most severe escalation in a standoff that began after a deadly gun massacre last month, which India holds Pakistan responsible for.

On Saturday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country would consider stepping back if India refrained from future strikes.

But he cautioned that any renewed Indian attack would provoke a response.

“If they stop here, we will also consider stopping,” Dar said during an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News, adding that he had communicated the same message to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio following his contact with Indian officials.

Indian Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated during a press briefing in New Delhi that India remained committed to “non-escalation, provided the Pakistan side reciprocates.”

She noted, however, that Pakistani ground troops were seen moving toward forward positions, “indicating an offensive intent to further escalation.”

International actors, including the United States, have called for restraint. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Indian officials and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday, according to his spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Rubio reiterated Washington’s call for both countries to find de-escalation pathways and offered U.S. support to facilitate dialogue aimed at preventing future confrontations.

There was no independent verification available regarding the reported actions of either side.