The United States on Sunday urged both India and Pakistan to work towards what it terms a “responsible solution” as tensions escalate between the neighbouring countries following the deadly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
“This is an evolving situation and we are monitoring developments closely. We have been in touch with the governments of India and Pakistan at multiple levels,” a US state department spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.
The spokesperson added, “The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution,” while also emphasising that Washington “stands with India and strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.” These sentiments echo recent statements made by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The attack, the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, targeted mostly tourists and was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). TRF later denied involvement in the attack.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during his monthly radio programme, expressing deep anguish over the attack.
“There is a deep anguish in my heart. The terrorist incident that took place in Pahalgam on the 22nd of April has hurt every citizen of the country. Every Indian holds deep sympathies for the affected families. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, one feels the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this attack,” he said.
PM Modi said that the attack occurred when peace was returning to Kashmir and promised severe consequences for those responsible. He noted that the terrorists aimed to destabilise the region’s growing prosperity and peace.
