In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the United States has extended strong support to India’s right to defend itself. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phone call with his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, during which both leaders condemned the act of terrorism and highlighted the need for global solidarity against such threats, according to NEWS 18. “Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself,” the Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement on X. “He

In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the United States has extended strong support to India’s right to defend itself. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phone call with his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, during which both leaders condemned the act of terrorism and highlighted the need for global solidarity against such threats, according to NEWS 18. “Secretary Hegseth said that the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself,” the Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement on X. “He reiterated the strong support of the U.S. government in India’s fight against terrorism.” During the conversation, Rajnath Singh took a firm stand against Pakistan, stating, “Pakistan has a history of supporting, training, and funding terrorist organisations.” On his official X handle, Hegseth also expressed his condolences and support: “Today, I spoke with Indian Defense Minister Singh @rajnathsingh 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.” The call marks part of a wider Indian diplomatic push to expose Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and seek international backing. In parallel diplomatic moves, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held separate calls with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Rubio reportedly urged both nations to work together to “de-escalate tensions and re-establish direct communications.” However, Jaishankar’s public statement after the call omitted any mention of de-escalation, focusing instead on justice. “The perpetrators, backers and planners (of the Pahalgam terrorist attack) must be brought to justice,” he posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a tough stance, vowing to pursue the attackers and those supporting them. “We will chase them to the ends of the earth,” he is reported to have told top officials. Modi has chaired two high-level security meetings this week and met with the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to review India’s response options. The strong US backing signals growing international support for India’s position amid rising regional tensions and calls for accountability.    

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