On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which took place on April 22, resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people, primarily tourists. Jaishankar condemned the attack, stating, “Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.” His call for accountability was made clear in his tweet: “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
This exchange came just hours after the phone call between the two leaders, which took place amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The attack, which has been linked to cross-border elements, has brought attention to Pakistan's role in the violence. Jaishankar reiterated that India would not tolerate such acts of terror, and that those responsible must be held accountable.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the attack, describing it as "horrific." He expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working alongside India in the fight against terrorism. Rubio, during the phone call, called for both countries to focus on “de-escalating tensions” in South Asia to preserve regional peace and security.
A statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce outlined Rubio’s stance: "He encouraged India to engage with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and ensure peace and security in South Asia." While this call for dialogue is aimed at reducing conflict, India remains firm on its position and is not backing down from its demand for justice.
India’s strong response to the attack
In retaliation for the terror attack, India has taken several measures aimed at signalling its displeasure and asserting its stance. The government has decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance, shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reduce the strength of Pakistan's High Commission in India. These diplomatic moves have been paired with a significant military response.
India's armed forces were granted full operational freedom in determining their course of action in response to the attack. The Indian Army has swiftly responded to unprovoked fire from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly on the night of April 30 to May 1. Pakistani forces opened fire across the LoC in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors for the seventh consecutive night. The Indian Army retaliated proportionately, marking a continuation of the ongoing tensions along the border.
Escalating ceasefire violations and military preparations
This unprovoked aggression from Pakistan comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier, during the night of April 26 to 27, the Indian Army responded decisively to small-arms fire along the LoC in the Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors. In response to the violence, security forces in Kashmir have ramped up anti-terror operations, with additional measures being implemented to prevent further attacks.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, and officials highlighted the "cross-border links" to the attack. The CCS also noted that the attack had followed a period of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which only added to the complexity of the situation.
The ongoing cross-border tensions are further compounded by military and diplomatic actions on both sides, with India taking firm steps to protect its national security. As the security situation in Kashmir continues to evolve, both military operations and diplomatic efforts will play a critical role in determining the outcome of these rising tensions.
Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 1, 2025
This exchange came just hours after the phone call between the two leaders, which took place amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The attack, which has been linked to cross-border elements, has brought attention to Pakistan's role in the violence. Jaishankar reiterated that India would not tolerate such acts of terror, and that those responsible must be held accountable.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the attack, describing it as "horrific." He expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to working alongside India in the fight against terrorism. Rubio, during the phone call, called for both countries to focus on “de-escalating tensions” in South Asia to preserve regional peace and security.
A statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce outlined Rubio’s stance: "He encouraged India to engage with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and ensure peace and security in South Asia." While this call for dialogue is aimed at reducing conflict, India remains firm on its position and is not backing down from its demand for justice.
India’s strong response to the attack
In retaliation for the terror attack, India has taken several measures aimed at signalling its displeasure and asserting its stance. The government has decided to hold the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in abeyance, shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reduce the strength of Pakistan's High Commission in India. These diplomatic moves have been paired with a significant military response.
India's armed forces were granted full operational freedom in determining their course of action in response to the attack. The Indian Army has swiftly responded to unprovoked fire from Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly on the night of April 30 to May 1. Pakistani forces opened fire across the LoC in Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors for the seventh consecutive night. The Indian Army retaliated proportionately, marking a continuation of the ongoing tensions along the border.
Escalating ceasefire violations and military preparations
This unprovoked aggression from Pakistan comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier, during the night of April 26 to 27, the Indian Army responded decisively to small-arms fire along the LoC in the Tutmari Gali and Rampur sectors. In response to the violence, security forces in Kashmir have ramped up anti-terror operations, with additional measures being implemented to prevent further attacks.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, and officials highlighted the "cross-border links" to the attack. The CCS also noted that the attack had followed a period of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which only added to the complexity of the situation.
The ongoing cross-border tensions are further compounded by military and diplomatic actions on both sides, with India taking firm steps to protect its national security. As the security situation in Kashmir continues to evolve, both military operations and diplomatic efforts will play a critical role in determining the outcome of these rising tensions.
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