New Delhi [India]: In a show of solidarity, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Thursday expressed deep condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, during a call with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Hegseth condemned the “tragic loss of innocent civilians” and reaffirmed the United States’ support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating that the US stands with India and supports its right to self-defence.
In a post on X, the Indian Defence Minister’s Office stated:
“The U.S. Secretary of Defence @PeteHegseth spoke to Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh earlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.”
During the conversation, Singh underscored Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism, highlighting its history of providing safe havens, training, and funding to terrorist groups.
“It is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism,” Singh told Hegseth.
Tensions Escalate Post-Attack
The terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on April 23, was briefed on the cross-border linkages of the attack. Officials noted it coincided with successful local elections and ongoing economic development efforts in the Union Territory.
The Indian government has vowed severe punishment for the perpetrators and is reviewing strategic measures, including placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.
Amid rising border tensions, Pakistan has reportedly deployed air defence and artillery units along the frontier. In a hotline conversation, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) from both countries discussed recent ceasefire violations by the Pakistan Army. India issued a strong warning over these provocations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border.