The United States has urged India and Pakistan to work towards a “responsible solution” as tensions flare between the two neighbours following the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
In a statement to Reuters, a US State Department spokesperson said, “This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely. We have been in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan at multiple levels.” The spokesperson further emphasized that the US encourages “all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution,” reaffirming that Washington “stands with India and strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.” Similar sentiments were recently echoed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The Pahalgam attack, the deadliest in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike, primarily targeted tourists and was initially claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit linked to Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). However, TRF later denied its involvement.
Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow during his monthly radio address. “There is a deep anguish in my heart. The terrorist incident that took place in Pahalgam on the 22nd of April has hurt every citizen of the country,” Modi said. “Every Indian holds deep sympathies for the affected families. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, one feels the pain of those who have lost their loved ones.”
As both nations tread cautiously amid heightened tensions, the international community closely watches for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.