US reiterates ‘full support’ for India, calls for ‘responsible resolution’ to Pahalgam attack
As India prepares to respond to terror attack, US State Dept spokesperson Tammy Bruce says Washington is closely watching New Delhi and Islamabad amid rising tensions
US stands strong with India against terrorism, PM Modi has our full support: State Department
The United States has reiterated its strong support for India in the latter’s fight with terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mostly tourists were killed.
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Addressing reporters on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the US stands strong with India against terrorism and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “has our full support”, while underlining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges India and Pakistan to work towards a responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.
‘US closely monitoring situation’
Bruce also said that the US is “monitoring closely” the situation between India and Pakistan amid rising tensions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke separately with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.
“As the President articulated to Prime Minister Modi last week, the United States stands strong with India against terrorism, and Prime Minister Modi has our full support,” Bruce said.
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Rubio “encouraged both countries to work toward a …responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia. We continue to be in touch with the governments of both countries, as I mentioned, at multiple levels,” Bruce added.
‘Asking for a responsible resolution’
“This government is in constant communication. We are asking for a responsible resolution from both parties. And beyond that, there’s nothing I can give you, any other details,” she said.
The US has encouraged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, reaffirming its commitment to cooperate with Delhi against terrorism and urging Islamabad’s cooperation in investigating the “unconscionable" Pahalgam terror attack.
Rubio’s call to Jaishankar
In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his sorrow for the lives lost in the “horrific” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that had killed 26 civilians.
Rubio “reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperation with India against terrorism. He also encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” a statement issued by Bruce had said.
Jaishankar said in a post on X that he discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with Rubio. “Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
Also read: Pahalgam attack: Pakistan PM, President meet amid tension with India
Message to Pak PM
In his conversation with Sharif, Rubio spoke of the need to condemn the terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam and 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. Rubio and Sharif “reaffirmed their continued commitment to holding terrorists accountable for their heinous acts of violence.”
(With inputs from agencies)