Washington: A group of American lawmakers have expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the US ambassadors in New Delhi and Islamabad to "de-escalate tensions" between India and Pakistan. Tension between the two Asian nations spiked after India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 on August 5 and bifurcated the state into two union territories, evoking protests from Pakistan.

In a letter to the American envoys in New Delhi and Islamabad -- Kenneth Juster and Paul W Jones respectively -- on Friday, the US Congressmen said there is risk that the relationship between India and Pakistan will continue to devolve as a result of this crisis. "This presents tremendous danger to global peace and a clear national security risk for the United States. Pakistan and India are both valued allies, crucial to our interests in the region, including the Afghanistan peace process," the letter said.