Key Points
- Pahalgam Attack Fallout: The April 22 massacre in Jammu & Kashmir left 26 dead, mostly Hindu tourists, sparking nationwide outrage and escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
- US Diplomatic Outreach: Secretary of State Marco Rubio called both Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, urging both sides to de-escalate and cooperate on the investigation.
- India’s Stance: Jaishankar demanded that the perpetrators, supporters, and planners of the attack be brought to justice, implicitly blaming Pakistan-backed groups.
- US Position: While expressing condolences and support for India against terrorism, the US stopped short of directly criticizing Pakistan, instead calling for dialogue and restraint.
- Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan denied involvement, called for a neutral probe, and asked the US to press India to lower its rhetoric.
- Ongoing Tensions: Both countries have taken retaliatory steps, including closing airspace and expelling diplomats, as border skirmishes continue.
New Delhi: The brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people dead-mostly Hindu tourists-has plunged India and Pakistan into their most serious standoff in years. As the region reels from the violence, the United States has stepped in, urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to reduce tensions and open channels for dialogue, but has notably avoided directly blaming Pakistan for the attack.
US Diplomatic Push: Calls for Restraint, Not Condemnation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held urgent phone calls with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, in an effort to defuse the crisis. In official statements, Rubio expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life in Pahalgam and reaffirmed America’s commitment to cooperate with India against terrorism. However, he also encouraged both countries to “work together to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace and security in South Asia,” stopping short of directly criticizing Pakistan.
Rubio specifically urged Pakistan to cooperate in the investigation of the “unconscionable” attack and called on Islamabad to clearly condemn the violence. He pressed both governments to re-establish direct communication and avoid further escalation, reflecting Washington’s long-standing policy of promoting stability between the two rivals, both of whom are US partners for different strategic reasons.
India’s Firm Stand: Bring the Perpetrators to Justice
After his conversation with Rubio, Jaishankar posted on social media that the “perpetrators, backers, and planners” of the Pahalgam attack “must be brought to justice,” signaling India’s resolve to hold Pakistan-based groups responsible. Indian officials have blamed The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, for the massacre-an accusation Pakistan denies.
India has responded with a series of strong measures: suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing its airspace to Pakistani flights, expelling diplomats, and tightening border controls. Border skirmishes have erupted along the Line of Control, and both sides have hardened their positions.
Pakistan’s Response: Denial and Calls for Neutral Probe
Pakistan has categorically denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and has called for a neutral, international investigation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his conversation with Rubio, asked the US to encourage India to “reduce the rhetoric and act responsibly,” while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism.
America’s Balancing Act: Support for India, But No Direct Criticism of Pakistan
While the US has condemned the Pahalgam attack as a “terrorist” act and expressed solidarity with India, it has carefully avoided direct criticism of Pakistan, reflecting Washington’s complex strategic interests in the region. The US views India as a critical partner in countering China’s influence, but also maintains ties with Pakistan, especially given Islamabad’s past cooperation on Afghanistan.
This diplomatic balancing act has drawn scrutiny in India, where there is growing frustration over the lack of unequivocal US support in holding Pakistan accountable for cross-border terrorism.
What’s Next?
With both countries taking retaliatory measures and border tensions running high, the risk of further escalation remains acute. The US and other international actors are likely to continue pressing for restraint and dialogue, but India’s demand for justice-and its readiness to act-suggest the crisis is far from over.
The US response to the Pahalgam massacre has focused on urging dialogue and de-escalation between India and Pakistan, while avoiding direct criticism of Islamabad. As India demands justice and Pakistan denies involvement, the diplomatic gulf remains wide, and the region stands on edge amid rising tensions and international calls for calm.
