In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the United States has called on India and Pakistan to work together to reduce rising tensions, even as it reaffirmed support for India’s fight against terrorism.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate phone calls with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, urging restraint while emphasizing accountability for the “perpetrators, backers and planners” of the April 22 attack.
“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice,” Jaishankar posted on X after the call, underscoring India’s firm resolve.
Rubio expressed sorrow over the attack, calling it “horrific” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with India, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
While extending solidarity, Rubio also encouraged India and Pakistan to maintain peace in South Asia through dialogue and de-escalation, Bruce noted.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, voicing America’s support for India’s “right to defend itself” and its “fight against terrorism.” Singh told Hegseth that Pakistan has been “exposed as a rogue state fueling global terrorism” and warned the world can no longer ignore such destabilizing actions.
In his call with Sharif, Rubio urged Islamabad’s cooperation in investigating what he termed an “unconscionable attack.” However, Pakistan’s readout stated Sharif rejected any link to the incident and called for an impartial probe.
As speculation grows over possible Indian military action across the border, global leaders are watching closely, with Washington balancing condemnation of terror with appeals for regional calm.
➡️ “The perpetrators will be punished. India’s fight against terror will continue relentlessly,” Jaishankar vowed, as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
🗞️ Stay tuned for updates on India’s next steps and global reactions to the Pahalgam attack.
