US Pledges Support for India’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts Following Pahalgam Attack

 Washington/New Delhi, May 6, 2025 – US House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that the United States will provide India with “energy and resources” to bolster its fight against terrorism, reinforcing the Trump administration’s commitment to supporting New Delhi in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The attack, which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting international scrutiny and 
diplomatic responses.

US Commitment to India’s Counter-Terrorism Efforts

In a statement affirming solidarity, Speaker Johnson declared, “India has to stand against terrorism. We will do everything possible to support those efforts. Trump administration will help India with energy and resources to fight terrorism.” The pledge follows a telephone conversation last month between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which Trump condemned the attack and extended America’s full support to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Pahalgam attack, executed by terrorists in the scenic Baisaran Valley, has been attributed to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a UN-designated terrorist organization. While Pakistan has officially denied involvement, India has accused Islamabad of sponsoring the attack, citing a pattern of cross-border terrorism.

India’s Resolve and Diplomatic Offensive

Prime Minister Modi, addressing a public event in Bihar shortly after the attack, vowed to pursue the terrorists and their patrons “to the ends of earth” and ensure they face the “harshest punishment.” The statement was widely interpreted as a direct reference to Pakistan, which India has long accused of harboring and supporting terrorist groups targeting its territory.

India has intensified its diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan, leveraging evidence linking the attack to LeT and TRF. During a closed-door United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on May 5, convened at Pakistan’s request, sources indicate that council members questioned Islamabad about LeT’s likely involvement in the Pahalgam attack. India has criticized Pakistan for misusing its position as a non-permanent UNSC member—and its upcoming role as council chair in July—to deflect accountability.

International Context and Implications

The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike, has heightened regional tensions and drawn global attention. India has responded with a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, sealing the Attari-Wagah border, and imposing trade and diplomatic restrictions. The US’s public support underscores its strategic partnership with India and aligns with broader efforts to counter terrorism globally.

The Trump administration’s backing is likely to strengthen India’s position as it seeks international cooperation to address state-sponsored terrorism. However, the escalating rhetoric between India and Pakistan, coupled with Pakistan’s denials and attempts to shift blame, risks further destabilizing the region. The UNSC’s focus on LeT’s role highlights the international community’s concern over Pakistan’s failure to curb terrorist activities originating from its soil.

Looking Ahead

As India prepares for potential escalation, including nationwide civil defence drills scheduled for May 7, the US’s commitment to providing resources signals a deepening of bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism. The international community, including the UN, continues to urge restraint to prevent a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. For now, India’s resolve to hold the perpetrators accountable, backed by US support, sets the stage for a complex diplomatic and security landscape in South Asia.