Washington, DC [US]: In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, reaffirming America’s commitment to stand with India in the fight against terrorism.
Rubio expressed his condolences for the lives lost in the Pahalgam tragedy, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in an attack carried out by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. According to a statement by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio also encouraged India to engage with Pakistan to ease tensions in the region.
“Expressing his sorrow for the lives lost in the ‘horrific terrorist attack’ in Pahalgam, Rubio also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to ‘de-escalate tensions’ and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” Bruce stated.
This conversation comes amid rising ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir following the April 22 attack. The Indian government has responded with a series of strong measures aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for its alleged support of cross-border terrorism.
Among these steps are:
- The suspension of the Indus Water Treaty,
- The closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and
- A reduction in the strength of both countries’ High Commissions.
The Indian Army has been granted full operational freedom to respond to ceasefire violations and has acted swiftly in retaliation to recent incidents of unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side.
On April 27–28, the Indian Army responded to violations in areas opposite Kupwara and Poonch, while another exchange occurred on the night of April 26–27 near Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors.
Security forces have intensified counter-terrorism operations across the Kashmir Valley in the aftermath of the attack.
Following the incident, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation. During the briefing, the cross-border nature of the terrorist operation was highlighted. Officials noted the timing of the attack appeared to target the region’s progress, especially after the successful conduct of elections and increasing developmental momentum in Jammu and Kashmir.