India Defence News – In a significant diplomatic exchange, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reached out to India’s Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on May 1, 2025, to convey heartfelt condolences for the lives lost in the devastating Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, claimed 26 innocent lives, mostly tourists, and has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
During the phone call, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized Pakistan’s role in perpetuating terrorism, stating, “Pakistan has been unmasked as a rogue state, actively promoting global terrorism and destabilizing the region. The international community must take a clear and unwavering stand to denounce and address such atrocious acts.” He urged global leaders to unite in condemning terrorism without ambiguity.
In response, Secretary Hegseth affirmed the United States’ steadfast support for India, saying, “The US stands firmly with India in this challenging time and fully supports India’s right to defend itself against terrorism.” He reiterated the US government’s commitment to aiding India in its fight against terror, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The conversation comes amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam attack, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorist activities—a claim Pakistan has denied. The US’s public backing of India’s defensive rights signals a deepening of Indo-US strategic cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, even as the region braces for potential further conflict.
