WASHNGTON – As global outrage grows in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, international leaders have not only expressed strong solidarity with India but have also issued pointed criticism of Pakistan’s ongoing role in sheltering and supporting terrorist networks.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, following his conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated on X (formerly Twitter):“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with Secretary Rubio yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers, and planners must be brought to justice.”
Mounting Pressure on Pakistan
The international community is increasingly acknowledging what India has long asserted—that Pakistan serves as a hub for terrorism targeting Indian civilians and interests.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, speaking to Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, addressed the issue with candor. “Our expectation is that India will respond to this terrorist attack in a manner that does not lead to a broader regional conflict. And we expect that Pakistan, to the extent they are responsible, will cooperate with India to ensure that terrorists who sometimes operate on their territory are detected and dealt with.”
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla underscored this persistent concern. “This attack has revived the same longstanding concerns—that Pakistan is using terrorism as a state policy. In India, there’s a growing belief that unless there is credible retaliation or deterrence, Pakistan will continue and even escalate its support for terrorism. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and former diplomat, pointed to the alarming pattern of violence emanating from Pakistani soil. “It’s not possible to keep playing the same script over and over. Since the Kargil War, we’ve seen 15 to 16 major attacks carried out by terrorists trained, equipped, and financed by elements in Pakistan. India has tried diplomacy, isolation, international condemnation—but Pakistan remains shameless.”
MP Asaduddin Owaisi was even more direct in naming those responsible. “Lashkar-e-Taiba is the illegitimate child of Pakistan and the ISI. Pakistan has been training terrorists against India for a long time. By killing our people on our land and targeting them based on religion, they have acted like ISIS.”
Global Support for India
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a phone call with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, expressed solidarity and support. “I spoke with Indian Defense Minister Singh to personally extend my deepest condolences for the loss of life in the heinous terrorist attack last week. I offered my strong support. We stand with India and its great people.”
President Donald Trump also reaffirmed support for India during a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the U.S. stands firmly with India in its fight against terrorism.
France has joined the chorus of condemnation and support. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted France’s position:
“President Macron has been in touch with Prime Minister Modi. I’ve spoken twice with Dr. Jaishankar. We stand alongside India in the fight against terrorism.”
“I heard Secretary Rubio call on Pakistan to formally recognize the terrorist nature of this attack and to condemn it in the strongest possible way. I would happily join his call.”
Barrot emphasized the importance of coordinated diplomacy to prevent regional escalation, noting ongoing discussions with U.S., UK, and Indian counterparts. He also used the opportunity to reiterate France’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council:
“Our position is a permanent seat at the Security Council for India, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African countries. This is the reform we want to see.”
Poonam Sharma
Poonam is a multi-media journalist, and Managing Editor of India America Today (IAT). She launched its print edition in 2019 with IAT's Founder and Editor, the late Tejinder Singh.
