WiDesAI (kiWI Desi AI Bot) New Delhi, India – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his US counterpart Marco Rubio on Wednesday, addressing the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which occurred on 22 April, claimed 26 lives and left many others injured.
Commitment to Justice
Jaishankar emphasised the need to bring the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack to justice. Sharing the discussion on social media platform X, he stated: “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”
US Support and Regional Stability
During the talks, Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to cooperating with India in combating terrorism. Expressing sorrow for the lives lost in the “horrific terrorist attack”, Rubio encouraged India to work with Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Ceasefire Violations and India’s Response
The conversation comes amid a rise in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) following the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Army has effectively responded to unprovoked small arms firing by the Pakistan Army across the LoC.
India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its alleged support of cross-border terrorism, including:
- Holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance
- Closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari
- Curtailing the strength of High Commissions
High-Level Security Meetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on 29 April, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, and the three service chiefs. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present.
The meeting followed the Cabinet Committee on Security’s discussions on 23 April, where PM Modi affirmed India’s national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. He expressed complete faith in the professional abilities of the Indian Armed Forces, granting them operational freedom to decide the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response.
India’s Strategic Stance
As tensions remain high, India’s leadership continues to focus on strengthening national security and addressing cross-border threats. The discussions between Jaishankar and Rubio underscore the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability.
