The United States has reaffirmed its unwavering support for India in the ongoing fight against terrorism, according to a recent statement by the US State Department. This reaffirmation comes amidst heightened concerns over regional security following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau conveyed the strong US commitment to an Indian all-party delegation visiting Washington D.C.. The delegation, led by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, was in the US to brief key officials, think tanks, media outlets, and policymakers on Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and to emphasize India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism.
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce issued a statement highlighting Landau's reaffirmation of the "United States' strong support of India in the fight against terrorism and the strategic partnership between the two countries." The discussions also focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship, particularly by expanding trade and commercial ties to promote economic growth and prosperity in both nations.
This reaffirmation of support follows a series of events that have underscored the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, drew widespread condemnation and prompted India to take decisive action. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants behind the attack, a charge that Islamabad denies.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, reiterating condolences and reaffirming the United States' commitment to working with India in combating terrorism. Rubio also emphasized the need for de-escalation and encouraged direct dialogue between India and Pakistan to improve communication and maintain regional peace and security.
The US and India have a well-established history of cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. This partnership includes sharing best practices and information through training programs, joint working groups, and various interactions at bilateral, regional, and global levels. Both countries share a mutual interest in eliminating the threat of terrorism and have worked together to prevent terrorist attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. The US-India Counterterrorism Designations Dialogue, launched previously, aims to enhance information sharing, terrorist designations, combating financial crimes, and disrupting terrorist operations.
India has been actively working to counter terrorism within its borders and in the region. The Indian government has made significant efforts to detect, disrupt, and degrade terrorist organizations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks targeting civilians and government officials, primarily through the use of IEDs.
The US State Department's latest statement reinforces the importance of the strategic partnership between the United States and India in addressing shared security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorism. It signals a continued commitment to supporting India's efforts to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the region.
