Two influential American Senators have asked US President Donald Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict between India and Pakistan and ensure that Islamabad does more against the terrorist groups.

In a letter to Trump, Senators Jerry Moran from Kansas and Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire said there is a urgency surrounding the dangerous situation between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

“We affirm India’s right to self-defence in response to attacks planned and executed by Pakistani-based terrorist groups designated by the United States and United Nations and welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent decision to release a captured Air Force officer from India,” the two Senators wrote.

They also urged Trump to ensure that Pakistan did more against the terrorist groups.Tensions between India and Pakistan rose following the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group claimed responsibility for the attack.

The two American Senators said they were concerned that the crisis might scale into an all-out war given the thousands of troops amassed along the countries’ border, heavy artillery barrages and gunfire recorded in the area and tank columns taking formation.

“We share your position that Pakistan must do more to combat these anti-India extremist groups that destabilise the region and urge you to use your authority to pursue a peaceful resolution to this conflict before it grows,” Moran from the ruling Republican Party and Shaheen from the Democratic Party said.

Pakistan detained Indian Air Force Pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, on Wednesday following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed.

However, in a surprise announcement during a joint session of Parliament, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that the captured IAF pilot would be released on Friday as a gesture of peace.

“In light of recent events, and the spectre of the use of nuclear weapons should Pakistan and India continue to escalate hostilities, we strongly implore the direct and sustained engagement of the highest levels of your administration,” they said.