NEW DELHI, India — In the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has raised the issue with the United States, demanding that the perpetrators and their backers be brought to justice. The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, predominantly affected tourists in the region, prompting a strong reaction from international and regional stakeholders.
Jaishankar engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the importance of addressing the cross-border linkages that have come to light in connection with the attack and calling for accountability. “The perpetrators and planners of this horrific attack must be brought to justice. We expect all countries to take decisive action against terrorism,” Jaishankar stated during his conversation with Rubio.
The United States, while expressing sorrow for the lives lost, has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the rising tensions that have followed the attack. “We reaffirm our commitment to support India in combating terrorism and urge for calm and de-escalation between the neighboring nuclear-armed nations,” Rubio conveyed in an official statement.
Following the attack, India has implemented a series of military and diplomatic measures to address the situation, including banning Pakistan airlines from using Indian airspace and initiating heightened security operations across Jammu & Kashmir. Moreover, the region has witnessed increased ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), contributing to the tense atmosphere.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conducted key security meetings to assess and respond to the situation, reinforcing the state’s focus on maintaining safety and order. “We are committed to ensuring the security of our people and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to bring those responsible to justice,” Sinha remarked.
The attack has also had a significant impact on the region’s tourism sector, with concerns about safety affecting travel plans. Local authorities, in collaboration with national security forces, are working to restore confidence among tourists and residents alike.
India’s diplomatic stance remains firm, with Jaishankar underscoring the need for global cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, particularly addressing the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. The situation continues to evolve, with international stakeholders monitoring the developments closely in the hope of averting further escalation.
