EAM Jaishankar, US Secretary Marco Rubio Discuss Pahalgam Terror Attack; Call For Justice & De-Escalation

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday regarding the brutal terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April.

The attack, which claimed 26 lives and left many injured, has sparked strong responses both in India and internationally.

Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar said, “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with US @SecRubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice.”

His statement reaffirms India’s resolve to hold those responsible for orchestrating the violence accountable.

US Secretary Marco Rubio, according to a statement by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, expressed condolences over the ‘horrific terrorist attack’ and reiterated the United States’ steadfast commitment to working alongside India in combating terrorism.

Rubio also encouraged India to engage diplomatically with Pakistan to reduce tensions and preserve regional peace and security.

Rising Tensions At The LoC

The conversation between the two leaders comes amid heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistan has increased ceasefire violations following the Pahalgam massacre.

The Indian Army has responded effectively to these unprovoked provocations, maintaining its vigilance along the border.

India’s Diplomatic & Strategic Response

In the wake of the terror attack, India has initiated several measures against Pakistan, accusing it of supporting cross-border terrorism.

These measures include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and scaling down the diplomatic presence in both countries’ High Commissions.

Further, on 29 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The meeting followed an earlier session of the Cabinet Committee on Security on 23 April.

Sources from the government stated that PM Modi affirmed India’s national resolve to deal a decisive blow to terrorism and expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces.

He assured the defence leadership of complete operational freedom to determine the mode, timing, and nature of India’s response.

Commitment To National Security

The growing international support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, as demonstrated by Rubio’s statements, aligns with New Delhi’s stance on zero tolerance for terror.

With increasing cooperation between India and its global partners, the government appears resolute in its efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard national security.

This development also reflects a broader strategy of combining diplomatic engagement with robust defence preparedness in addressing cross-border threats.

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