On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phone conversation to discuss the April 22 terrorist assault in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people, including one citizen from Nepal. The majority of those killed were Indian tourists who had been visiting the region.
During the call, Secretary Hegseth expressed heartfelt condolences for the innocent lives lost in the brutal act of violence and condemned what he described as a “dastardly” attack. The United States emphasized its firm support for India in its fight against terrorism and reiterated that India has the right to protect its people from such threats.
The conversation reflected both countries’ ongoing concerns about terrorism in the South Asian region and their united stance against groups and states that sponsor violence. The Indian Ministry of Defence stated that Minister Singh made it clear Pakistan has a longstanding history of supporting, training, and financing terrorist entities. He also highlighted that the broader international community must not turn a blind eye to Pakistan’s role in disturbing the peace and stability of the region.
“Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state, fueling global terrorism and threatening regional security,” Singh told Hegseth. “It is critical for the world to explicitly and unequivocally condemn such heinous acts of terrorism.”
Secretary Hegseth, for his part, assured India of America’s unwavering solidarity in combating terrorism and confirmed that the United States supports India’s right to carry out any actions necessary to protect its national security.
The Pahalgam attack on April 22 was particularly horrifying in nature. Armed militants targeted a group of Indian tourists, reportedly asking for their names before opening fire indiscriminately. The method of the assault suggested that the attackers intended to instill fear among civilians while making a political or ideological statement. Indian security forces responded swiftly by launching a high-intensity counterterrorism operation in and around the region in an effort to track down those responsible and neutralize any ongoing threats.
In the wake of the attack, military and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have continued to escalate. On the night of April 30 and the early hours of May 1, the Pakistani army opened fire across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian defense officials said the firing was unprovoked and that small arms were used in the assault. Indian troops retaliated appropriately in response, though no further casualties have been reported.
The Indian Army’s response was aimed at sending a clear message that such provocations would not go unanswered. Defense sources indicated that India remains committed to safeguarding its territorial integrity while exercising strategic restraint to avoid further escalation.
These developments have once again drawn attention to the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism and the precarious security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. With each new incident, India has become more vocal in demanding that the global community take a firmer stance against nations that are believed to shelter or support terrorist elements.
The Indian government has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists and allowing extremist groups to operate within its borders. In recent years, India has taken various diplomatic steps to expose Islamabad’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities at international forums including the United Nations. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam has further strengthened India’s resolve to mobilize global opinion against such behavior.
Indian officials believe that strong international condemnation, coupled with pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil, is essential for lasting peace in the region. “It is critical for the world to explicitly and unequivocally condemn such heinous acts of terrorism,” Singh repeated during his conversation with Hegseth.
The United States, which has faced terrorism on its own soil, has consistently expressed solidarity with India in times of crisis. By condemning the attack and reaffirming its support, the U.S. aims to maintain a strong strategic relationship with India, particularly in the areas of defense and counterterrorism.
The timing of the Pakistani firing across the LoC so soon after the Pahalgam attack is seen by many analysts as an attempt to deflect attention or escalate tensions further. Indian officials are interpreting the move as part of a larger strategy by Pakistan to keep the region in a state of uncertainty and instability.
The issue of terrorism remains central to India’s foreign policy and national security concerns. New Delhi has been urging world powers, including the U.S., to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Islamabad to cease all support for terrorist groups. The Modi administration has also been seeking stronger international cooperation on intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism financing, and regional security initiatives.
This recent phone call between Secretary Hegseth and Minister Singh represents more than just a diplomatic gesture. It reflects an alignment of values between the two democracies in addressing global terrorism and ensuring peace in South Asia. It also demonstrates the importance both countries place on their defense partnership and shared commitment to regional stability.
While no official readout has detailed the exact operational strategies discussed, both nations are expected to deepen defense cooperation in the weeks ahead. This may include expanded joint military exercises, intelligence coordination, and possibly renewed discussions on arms deals aimed at boosting India’s counterterrorism capabilities.
For now, the Indian government is focused on ensuring that those responsible for the April 22 massacre are brought to justice. Security operations in Jammu and Kashmir have been intensified, with a heightened alert level maintained across several districts. The military is also prepared for any further provocations along the border.
The broader message that India is sending to both domestic and international audiences is that terrorism, especially when state-supported, will be met with firm resistance. At the same time, it is calling upon its allies to do more than just issue statements—to take tangible steps toward isolating those who provide safe havens and support for extremist violence.
Secretary Hegseth’s strong words of support and condemnation of the attack were received positively by Indian officials. As the international community reacts to the Pahalgam tragedy, all eyes will be on whether this momentum leads to more decisive global action against cross-border terrorism.
With the situation along the Line of Control remaining tense and security forces maintaining a state of readiness, the path forward remains uncertain. However, what is clear is that India and the United States remain united in their call for justice and their refusal to tolerate acts of terror, regardless of where they originate.