US President Donald Trump condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, promising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the US would fully stand behind him to bring the "barbaric attack" culprits to justice.
"President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and shared his deepest sympathies on the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted on X.
Trump "strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full solidarity with India to bring the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice. India and the United States are together in the war against terror," Jaiswal stated.
The attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon when terrorists opened fire at a tourist spot close to Pahalgam, killing 26 people, most of whom were tourists from other states. It was the worst attack in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Prime Minister Modi, who was on a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, decided to cut short his visit and return to New Delhi on Tuesday night, a day before his scheduled return. The attack shocked the nation and has evoked widespread outrage and condemnation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that President Trump was made aware of the attack by the National Security Advisor and was briefed as more news came in. "What we know so far is that dozens were killed, and several more were injured in this terrible terrorist attack at a popular tourist area in South Kashmir," she said. Leavitt further added that Trump would not hesitate to call Modi, the Prime Minister of India, to pass America's condolences. "Our prayers are with the injured, and our nation's solidarity with our friend, India. These types of heinous acts by terrorists are what make those of us who work for peace and stability in the world endure with our work," she stated.
Trump also shared condolences on Truth Social, saying, "Deeply disturbing news emerging from Kashmir. The United States is with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost forever, and for the quick recovery of those injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the wonderful people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathy. Our hearts are with you all!"
US Vice President J.D. Vance, who had visited India with his wife Second Lady Usha Vance and his kids, also extended condolences. "The past few days, we've been overwhelmed by the hospitality of this nation and its people. Our prayers and thoughts are still with them mourning this inhuman attack," he said.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz termed the attack as "a terrible tragedy" and called on individuals to pray with him for the victims and their families.
The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in the US State Department also condemned the attack, on X, "The United States condemns the terror attack in Kashmir in the strongest possible terms. There can be no justification for such a horrible attack that takes tourists and civilians' lives. We are praying for those who have lost their family members. We continue to observe the situation and demand those who committed this be brought to account."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also agreed, paraphrasing the State Department's statement on X to declare, "The United States stands with India."
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