US Urges India and Pakistan to Seek ‘Responsible Solution’ Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

The United States has called on India and Pakistan to work towards a “responsible resolution” after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which took place on April 22, left 26 people dead, drawing widespread condemnation from the international community, including the US. In the aftermath, the US reiterated its support for India and urged both nations to address the situation through dialogue and responsibility.

The US State Department emphasized its continued engagement with both governments in the wake of the attack. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the US has been in contact with India and Pakistan at multiple levels as tensions between the two countries escalate. Following the attack, India launched a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to identify, track, and punish the terrorists and conspirators behind the assault. India also launched a series of security measures, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and halting trade across the Integrated Check Post at Attari.

Pakistan, on the other hand, responded with tit-for-tat measures. The Pakistani government has called for an independent investigation into the attack, with Pakistan’s Minister issuing threats against India. Despite these heightened tensions, the US has encouraged both countries to “work towards a responsible resolution” and avoid further escalation.

“This is an evolving situation, and we are monitoring developments closely,” a State Department spokesperson said in an email to Reuters. “The United States encourages all parties to work together towards a responsible resolution.” The US also reiterated its condemnation of the attack and reaffirmed its support for India. This stance aligns with statements made by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, both of whom have emphasized their solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.

Washington’s strategic relationship with New Delhi has become increasingly important, especially in the context of countering China’s growing influence in Asia. While Pakistan remains a US ally, its strategic importance has diminished since the 2021 US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

In contrast, China has backed Pakistan’s call for an “impartial investigation” into the allegations. Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support for a neutral investigation following discussions between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Pakistan suggested that the investigative team could include experts from China, Russia, or Western nations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also expressed his government’s openness to participating in any neutral inquiry into the Pahalgam attack, calling for transparency and impartiality.

The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, was the deadliest in Kashmir since the Pulwama attack in 2019. The Resistance Front, a proxy for the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack. The Indian government released images of the three gunmen who opened fire on unarmed tourists in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam.

In addition to the diplomatic measures, India has also scaled back its diplomatic staff in Pakistan, and the Pakistani government has reciprocated by reducing the number of Indian diplomats in Islamabad. India has defended these moves as necessary and proportionate in response to the threat posed by terrorism. Pakistan, however, has dismissed India’s actions as “frivolous” and warned of reprisals if India continues with further punitive steps.

The US has urged both nations to find a way to de-escalate tensions and focus on working together to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution.

IT.