U.S. Reaffirms Support for India Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

 In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists—25 of them Indian nationals—U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate high-level discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring Washington's commitment to regional stability and the global fight against terrorism.

During his call with Dr. Jaishankar on Thursday, Secretary Rubio reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for India in counterterrorism cooperation. He expressed deep condolences for the victims of the April 22 attack and stressed the importance of bringing its perpetrators, planners, and enablers to justice.

In a separate conversation with Prime Minister Sharif on Wednesday, Rubio emphasized the need for unequivocal condemnation of the attack. He also urged Pakistani authorities to extend full cooperation in investigating what he described as an “unconscionable act of terror.”

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Secretary Rubio called for both India and Pakistan to pursue de-escalation and re-establish direct lines of communication in the interest of preserving peace and security across South Asia. “The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ readiness to support efforts that reduce tensions and promote regional stability,” Bruce added.

Following his conversation with Secretary Rubio, Dr. Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers, and planners must be brought to justice.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified sharply since the Pahalgam incident, with reports of increased ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, the Indian government has announced a series of diplomatic and strategic measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty provisions and the closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari.

Additionally, India has moved to reduce the strength of diplomatic missions and has granted its armed forces full operational freedom to determine the appropriate course of action in response to the attack.