Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has acknowledged and appreciated the United States' support for India's ongoing fight against terrorism. In a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Singh highlighted Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism in the region and thanked the US for its unwavering support.
The conversation between Singh and Hegseth occurred on the backdrop of heightened tensions and ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control. Hegseth conveyed the United States' deepest condolences for the loss of civilian lives in the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. He reiterated the United States' solidarity with India, affirming support for India's right to defend itself against terrorist threats.
Rajnath Singh brought to the attention of Secretary Hegseth, Pakistan's long-standing history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organizations. Singh stated that Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fueling global terrorism and destabilizing the region. He emphasized the importance of the global community explicitly and unequivocally condemning such heinous acts of terrorism, stating that the world can no longer turn a blind eye to terror.
Hegseth also expressed his sentiments on X, "Today, I spoke with Indian Defense Minister Singh @rajnathsingh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week. I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people".
The Ministry of Defence released a statement highlighting that the conversation underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States, particularly in regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.
The US support came at a time when India is keeping all military options open amid heightened tensions with its western neighbor. India has undertaken diplomatic and operational measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty discussions. The Directors General of Military Operations of both countries had also spoken via hotline earlier in the week, during which India warned against further provocations.
The call between Singh and Hegseth followed a call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar stated that the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the Pahalgam terrorist attack must be brought to justice.
