"Acting Secretary Shanahan's focus is on de-escalating tensions and urging both of the nations to avoid further military action", the statement said on Wednesday.
Shanahan has discussed the India-Pakistan row with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford, US Central Command Commander Gen. Joseph Votel, and US Indo-Pacific Command Commander Admiral Philip Davidson, according to the statement.
READ MORE: India Submits Data on Terrorists They Targeted in Kashmir to Pakistan – Reports
Tensions between the two nuclear powers escalated on Wednesday as both countries said they had shot down each other's fighter jets over the disputed Kashmir region. Pakistan said it shot down two Indian jets and captured a pilot, while India said it lost one plane and shot down a Pakistani jet.
Pakistan has rejected the allegations of its involvement in the attack and in return has accused India of being responsible for human rights violations taking place in Jammu and Kashmir.
READ MORE: India Test Fires Short-Range Quick-Reaction Missile Following Kashmir Airstrike
Jammu and Kashmir is a region that has been disputed by India and Pakistan since 1947 when both countries gained independence from the British Empire. The two countries have gone through three wars over the region, but the conflict has not been resolved. The unstable situation in the region has led to the emergence of extremist groups.