In a strong show of solidarity, United States Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has written to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep condolences for the victims of the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 people dead. Gabbard condemned the attack as a “horrific Islamist terrorist act targeting Hindus” and pledged America’s unwavering support to India in its quest for justice.
Gabbard wrote on X, joining a growing chorus of international voices rallying behind India.
“We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack.”
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, saw Islamist terrorists reportedly force Hindu victims to prove their religious identity before opening fire, making it one of the deadliest assaults in the region since Pulwama in 2019.
An ongoing Indian investigation has uncovered links to Pakistan-based terror networks. The Resistance Front, a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group, has claimed responsibility for the killings. The Indian government, following a high-level security review chaired by Prime Minister Modi, cited clear “cross-border linkages” and vowed retribution.
The Indian prime minister, currently implementing a series of diplomatic countermeasures, has promised to chase down the attackers and their backers “to the ends of the earth” and punish them “beyond their imagination”.
Interestingly, in a recent interview with journalist Yalda Hakim, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made a startling admission, saying,
“We have been doing the dirty work of the United States for three decades.”
The interview, in which Asif appeared visibly nervous, touched on Pakistan’s historical involvement in terrorist activities and the escalating situation in Kashmir. He also told Hakim that Pakistan is “already prepared” for strikes from India. While India has directly blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the Pahalgam massacre, Islamabad continues to deny involvement, insisting there is “no evidence” linking it to the attack.
The Pahalgam attack has triggered global condemnation. Leaders from the United States, Australia, Russia, France, Israel, the UK, China, and several Islamic nations have all denounced the violence and extended support to India.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a “horrific loss of life” and an “act of senseless violence which has shocked the world.” In a message shared on social media, he said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences on behalf of Australia and added,
“Those responsible must be held to account. Australia and India are great friends and we stand with India at this difficult time.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, in a call with PM Modi, declared that “the US will stand strong with India,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin called for “deserved punishment” for the perpetrators and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to fighting terrorism alongside India.
The U.S. State Department echoed these sentiments, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating,
“We pray for the lives of those lost and for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, other senior U.S. lawmakers including Elise Stefanik, Cory Booker, and Chris Murphy also voiced their grief and solidarity. Stefanik described the incident as a “horrific mass terror attack,” while Booker called for swift justice and warned against the potential rise of ethnic tensions in the region.
India’s resolve, backed by international allies, appears firmer than ever. As Tulsi Gabbard affirmed, “We stand in solidarity with India.”
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