US Stands with India After J&K Terror Attack, Supports Fight Against Terrorism: Following the Pahalgam massacre, the US reaffirms support for India’s defense rights and anti-terror measures in a call between top defense officials.
In a significant show of solidarity, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s strong support for India’s fight against terrorism during a telephonic conversation with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday. The discussion, held in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, highlighted growing cooperation between the two nations on security and counterterrorism matters.
According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of Defence, Secretary Hegseth offered his heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of innocent lives in the brutal Pahalgam attack. The incident, which occurred in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir, saw armed terrorists open fire on a group of tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.
Calling the attack “dastardly” and “inhuman,” Hegseth condemned the violence and expressed unwavering support from the United States. “The US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself,” he stated during the call.
The U.S. Secretary of Defence @PeteHegseth spoke to Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh earlier today and expressed his deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S.…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 1, 2025
In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his appreciation for the US’s continued support and used the opportunity to call out Pakistan for its long-standing involvement in fomenting terrorism in the region. Singh alleged that Pakistan continues to harbor, train, and finance terrorist organizations that carry out attacks not just in India, but across the region.
“Pakistan has a well-documented history of aiding and abetting terrorism. It has been exposed as a rogue state, fueling global terrorism and destabilizing regional peace,” Singh said during the conversation. He emphasized the urgent need for the global community to acknowledge and unequivocally condemn such acts of terror. “The world can no longer turn a blind eye to terrorism,” he added.
The Ministry of Defence said the conversation underscored the shared commitment of India and the United States to combat terrorism in all its forms. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued intelligence-sharing, counter-terror cooperation, and strategic alignment to tackle emerging threats.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense following the Pahalgam attack. Intelligence sources revealed that the attackers appeared to have deliberately targeted civilians, asking for names before opening fire — suggesting a premeditated, sectarian motive. In response, the Indian Army has launched an extensive counterterrorism operation in the region, deploying additional forces and stepping up surveillance to track down those responsible.
Adding to the volatility, Pakistani troops have been accused of initiating unprovoked firing across multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC). During the night between April 30 and May 1, Pakistani army personnel opened fire in the sectors of Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir using small arms. Indian military officials confirmed that their forces responded “appropriately” to the provocation.
The cross-border firing comes amid heightened concerns about Pakistan’s intent to escalate tensions in the region following the terrorist attack. Indian security analysts suggest the firing may be an attempt to distract or delay India’s anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
India has reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining peace but will not hesitate to respond firmly to provocations or acts of terror. Officials have stressed that all necessary measures will be taken to protect civilians and preserve territorial integrity.
Thursday’s high-level conversation between Secretary Hegseth and Defence Minister Singh marks a pivotal moment in Indo-US defense relations, particularly in the context of regional security. As terrorism remains a shared global threat, both nations have reaffirmed their intent to strengthen defense ties and coordinate efforts to ensure peace and stability in South Asia.
The US’s vocal support is being seen as a diplomatic boost for India at a time when it is seeking stronger international condemnation of state-sponsored terrorism, especially from its western neighbor. The Ministry of Defence has hinted at more strategic-level dialogues between India and the US in the coming weeks to deepen military cooperation and enhance regional security frameworks.
