After the brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent lives, United States Vice President JD Vance clearly held Pakistan responsible and said that India has every right to take strong action. He said terrorists operating from Pakistan must be hunted down and eliminated.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, JD Vance stated, “Our hope is that India responds to this terror attack in a way that avoids a large-scale war, but at the same time, the terrorists — who sometimes operate from Pakistani territory — must be tracked and dealt with. Pakistan, to the extent it is responsible, must face consequences.”
Mr Vance was in India with his family when the Pahalgam attack happened. He immediately spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his deep condolences and condemned the cowardly attack. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the US has assured full support to India in its fight against terrorism.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Mr Vance wrote:
“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. We have experienced the warmth and beauty of this country and its people. Our prayers are with them as they face this tragedy.”
Several senior US officials, including President Donald Trump, condemned the Pahalgam attack and strongly supported India. Although the US government stopped short of directly naming Pakistan, the message was clear — terrorists operating from Pakistani soil are a global threat.
The attack took place on April 21 in the Baisaran Valley — known as “Mini Switzerland” — a popular tourist spot surrounded by green hills and meadows. Armed terrorists suddenly opened fire on civilians, killing 26 and injuring many more. Witnesses said tourists tried to run, but there was no place to hide in the open terrain.
In response, Indian security forces have launched massive search operations to track down the attackers. The Indian government has also taken strong diplomatic steps — suspending the Indus Waters Treaty indefinitely, halting visas for Pakistani citizens, and closing Indian airspace to Pakistani aircraft.
This has been one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the removal of Article 370 in 2019.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made it clear in his recent call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the “terrorists, their handlers, and the planners sitting across the border must face justice.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke directly with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that “Pakistan has a long history of supporting, training, and funding terrorists.”
In response, the US Defence Secretary confirmed Washington’s full support for India’s right to defend itself.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, calling the Pahalgam attack “a terrible act of terror.” He added, “There has been tension between India and Pakistan for over a thousand years, especially over Kashmir. But this was a serious attack, and I’m sure India will respond in its own way.”
With growing international support and strong internal resolve, India is expected to take decisive steps to ensure such attacks are not repeated — and those behind them are brought to justice.
