Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 25: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), has extended full US support to India in its pursuit of the perpetrators behind the recent “horrific Islamist terrorist attack” in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The assault, which took place earlier this week, claimed the lives of 26 Hindu pilgrims, sparking widespread condemnation and international solidarity.
Taking to social media platform X, Gabbard stated, “We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost a loved one, PM Narendra Modi and with all the people of India. We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack.”
Her statement aligns with the US administration’s strong stance, beginning with President Donald Trump’s direct call to Prime Minister Modi just hours after the attack. Trump expressed unwavering support and condemned the cross-border terrorism reportedly linked to Pakistan.
The Resistance Front, a known proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack, prompting India to initiate a series of stringent diplomatic and strategic responses. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats, the downsizing of mission staff, and the closure of the Wagah border crossing.
Prime Minister Modi has vowed swift retribution, saying, “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”
Gabbard, a former US Congresswoman and one of the earliest Trump cabinet members to visit India during his second term, has had long-standing ties with the country. She previously co-chaired the bipartisan India Caucus in the US House of Representatives and delivered a keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in March, reaffirming Indo-US cooperation in security affairs.
Her message further reinforces the growing strategic alignment between the United States and India in the global fight against terrorism.