Amid rising Indo-Pak tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce firmly rejected attempts to shift focus to border tensions during a press briefing on Thursday.
When questioned by a Pakistani journalist about India-Pakistan border relations, Bruce responded bluntly:
“I am not going to be remarking on it… perhaps we will come back to you with another subject. I will say nothing more on that situation.”
She emphasized that President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other top officials had already made their positions clear – solidly backing India and condemning terrorism.
🕯️ US Condemns Attack, Stands by India
Bruce reiterated Washington’s stance:
“The United States stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
Her remarks echoed earlier statements by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary Rubio, who have each individually expressed solidarity with India and condemned the “heinous” attack.
📞 Trump, Vance Speak to PM Modi
- President Trump called PM Narendra Modi, expressing “deepest condolences” and support “to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
- VP JD Vance also condemned the attack in a separate call, offering “all assistance in the joint fight against terrorism.”
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on X: “The United States stands with India.”
⚠️ India’s Diplomatic Offensive Against Pakistan
In response to the attack, India has taken firm diplomatic and strategic actions:
- Declared Pakistani military advisors in Delhi Persona Non Grata, ordering them to leave within a week.
- Withdrew Indian defence staff from Islamabad.
- Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.
- Closed the Attari Integrated Check Post.
- Cancelled all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals and ordered those in India to leave within 48 hours.
- Reduced diplomatic staff at High Commissions to 30 from 55 by May 1.
📰 Background
Tuesday’s attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a tourist hotspot in Anantnag district, is the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama blast, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.
The US’s unequivocal support for India and refusal to entertain diversionary narratives reflects a growing global alignment against terrorism, with New Delhi receiving robust backing in its bid to isolate Pakistan diplomatically over cross-border militancy.