US dials Rajnath, EAM; affirms India’s right to defend itself
In a day of intense diplomatic messaging, India has conveyed to the US that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terror attack must be brought to justice. The US has reiterated strong support to India and asked it and Pakistan to “work with each other” to de-escalate tensions while making it clear that it supports India’s right to defend itself.
Will hunt down terrorists: Shah
Whoever has carried out the dastardly attack in Pahalgam, we will not spare anyone. We’ll hunt down each & every perpetrator... Everyone of you will be made answerable: Amit Shah, Home Minister
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A statement from the Ministry of Defence said, “The US Secretary of Defence reiterated the full support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism.” The statement quoted Hegseth as saying, “The US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself.”
Rajnath Singh told the US Secretary of Defence that Pakistan had a history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations. He said, “Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fuelling global terrorism and destabilising the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism.”
Hegseth took to X late on Thursday, saying, “I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people. I have spoken with Rajnath to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week.”
Hours earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called up External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a post on X, the EAM said, “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with the US (Rubio). Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
Rubio also made a separate phone call to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Rubio spoke with Jaishankar on Wednesday. The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack and reaffirmed the US’ commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism. “He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in South Asia,” Bruce said.
In another statement, Bruce mentioned that Rubio spoke with Pakistani PM. The Secretary emphasised the need to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence. “The Secretary urged Pakistani officials’ cooperation in investigating this unconscionable attack. He also encouraged Pakistan to work with India to de-escalate tensions, re-establish direct communications and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” Bruce added.
