Theresa May calls Imran Khan, asks for de-escalation of India-Pakistan tension

British Prime Minister Theresa May in a telephonic conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called for the de-escalation of tension between India and Pakistan.

The British Prime Minister also lauded the decision of Khan to free Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a gesture of stabilising peace between both the countries.

"The Prime Minister spoke to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan today. She welcomed his commitment to reducing tensions with India, and the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan," the News International quoted a spokesperson saying.

"We are in regular contact with both countries urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. We are working closely with international partners, including through the UN Security Council, to de-escalate tensions and are monitoring developments closely and considering implications for British nationals," Prime Minister May had remarked on the crisis situation between the two neighbouring countries.

The gesture by the Prime Minister May came after tensions escalated between Pakistan and India following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, claiming lives of 40 Central Reserves Police Force (CRPF) jawans. Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack.

After the February 26 air strikes on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity on February 27, with Pakistani jets violating the Indian air space and dropping some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.

In a failed bid, Pakistan Air Force earlier on the same day had tried to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane.

Most of the countries including China and Russia have also asked New Delhi and Islamabad to de-escalate and exercise restraint regarding all forms of terrorism in the region.

-ANI