NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday reaffirmed its unwavering support for India in the fight against terrorism following the recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.
“As President Trump conveyed to Prime Minister Modi last week, the United States stands strong with India against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi has our full support,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce during a press briefing.
Bruce noted that the U.S. is in continuous contact with both Indian and Pakistani authorities as tensions mount in the aftermath of the attack. “The Secretary encouraged both countries to work toward a responsible resolution that ensures long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia,” she added.
She also confirmed that diplomatic engagement is ongoing at multiple levels. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in recent days.
“We remain in touch with both governments across several channels,” Bruce said, when asked about further developments. On whether the U.S. has seen any response to its calls for de-escalation, she replied, “We are urging both sides to pursue a responsible path forward. Beyond that, I have no additional details to share.”
In response to the April 22 attack, India has taken a series of strong measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reducing the staff strength of Pakistan’s High Commission. The Indian Army has also responded robustly to multiple ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces across the Line of Control (LoC), with incidents reported in Kupwara, Poonch, Tutmari Gali, and Rampur sectors.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed solidarity with India in a phone call to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. “Today, I spoke with Indian Defence Minister Singh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week. I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people,” Hegseth posted on X (formerly Twitter).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held discussions with Secretary Rubio, emphasizing that the “perpetrators, backers, and planners” of the Pahalgam attack must be brought to justice.
