FBI director Kash Patel on Sunday assured India of continued support in the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead and several injured. Patel said that the attack was a reminder of the “constant threats” the world faces from the “evils of terrorism.”
“The FBI sends our condolences to all the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir — and will continue offering our full support to the Indian government,” the FBI director wrote on X.
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“This is a reminder of the constant threats our world faces from the evils of terrorism. Pray for those affected. Thank you to the men and women of law enforcement who answer the call in moments like these.”
Patel’s strong show of solidarity follows a series of messages from top American leaders. President Donald Trump, on Wednesday held a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he expressed his deepest condolences and condemned the “heinous attack”.
According to ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Trump “expressed full support to India to bring to justice the perpetrators” and reaffirmed that the United States and India stand together against terrorism.
US Vice President JD Vance also spoke to PM Modi, offering his condolences and reiterating America’s commitment to assist India in the fight against terrorism. “The United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour,” Vance said, according to a post from Jaiswal.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard wrote on X, “We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam.”
Following the attack, India took a series of diplomatic steps against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari. Pakistan responded by threatening to suspend the Simla Agreement and other bilateral arrangements.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged the Army to intensify operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and ensure justice for the victims.
On 22 April, gunmen stormed a group of tourists at the Baisaran meadow, claiming the lives of 26 people and injuring several more in what has become one of the deadliest assaults in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The Resistance Front, a proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, swiftly claimed responsibility, before distancing itself from the attack.
