PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged India to take the lead in reducing tensions with Pakistan, stating that as a regional leader and global democracy, India should demonstrate its strength through soft power and a commitment to peace. She emphasized that this is the time for India to rise above conflict and act responsibly on the international stage.

Mufti’s remarks followed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s call with Pakistani Army Chief Asif Munir, in which he encouraged both sides to work toward de-escalation. Referring to earlier statements by U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, who had said America would limit its involvement, Mufti noted that the shift in tone from the U.S. reflects growing concern over the escalating situation. She criticized reliance on what she called “inconsistent” international support, suggesting that India, with its growing global stature, should act independently to reduce tensions. As the world’s largest democracy and a rising power, India must set an example, she said.

“The world is watching. This is India’s moment to show that its true power lies not in weapons, but in diplomacy and peace,” Mufti wrote on X. Tensions between the two countries have intensified after India carried out targeted strikes on nine terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack linked to cross-border elements.