In the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the United States has strongly condemned the violence and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The attack, which took place on Tuesday in the Baisaran meadow, claimed the lives of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, leaving several others injured.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the media on Thursday, reiterating the United States’ unwavering support for India. “As President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear, the United States stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives lost, the injured, and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice,” Bruce stated during a press briefing.
When asked about India’s claims that Pakistan was behind the attack, Bruce declined to comment further, saying, “That’s going to be the extent of our comments at this time. We are monitoring the situation closely but are not taking a position on the status of Kashmir or Jammu.”
Following the attack, India has taken decisive diplomatic steps in response to Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting cross-border terrorism. In a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, closed the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and expelled officials of the Pakistani High Commission, declaring them persona non grata. Additionally, India cancelled all visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), ordering Pakistani nationals to leave within 48 hours.
US President Donald Trump also held a phone conversation with Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, President Trump conveyed his deepest condolences and pledged full US support in holding the attackers accountable. “President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous attack. India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
US Vice President JD Vance echoed Trump’s sentiments during his call with PM Modi. He condemned the “dastardly” attack and extended his condolences, emphasizing that the US is prepared to assist India in its counter-terrorism efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also posted a message of solidarity on X, writing, “The United States stands with India.”
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz described the attack as a “terrible tragedy” and offered prayers for the victims and their families.
President Trump further addressed the attack on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
The deadly Pahalgam attack marks one of the most devastating incidents in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing and has drawn widespread international condemnation.
