Washington, D.C. [US], May 2 (ANI): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (local time) expressed condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to cooperating with India in combating terrorism.
In a statement released by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio’s conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was detailed. “The Secretary expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism,” Bruce noted.
Rubio also urged India to engage diplomatically with Pakistan to de-escalate rising tensions and ensure regional peace and stability. “He encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” the statement added.
Minister Jaishankar, in a post on social media platform X, confirmed the conversation and reiterated the necessity of holding the perpetrators accountable. “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice,” he wrote.
The talks come amidst heightened cross-border tensions following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians were killed and several others injured. The Indian Army has responded to unprovoked ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) with increased vigilance and retaliatory measures.
In response to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, India has implemented a series of diplomatic and economic actions. These include suspending the Indus Water Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other’s High Commissions.
The United States’ renewed affirmation of strategic counterterrorism cooperation underscores the importance of its partnership with India in maintaining security and stability in the South Asian region.
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