As India struggles with the fallout from one of the worst attacks on tourists in the region, U.S. authorities, including FBI Director Kash Patel, have expressed strong support for the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The April 22 incident, which killed 26 people and injured a number more, has heightened India-US counterterrorism collaboration while also igniting diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. While the Indian government has responded with a number of diplomatic actions against Pakistan, which is thought to harbor the terrorist groups behind the attack, some US officials have voiced their solidarity with India.
Several world leaders responded to the attack right away, with US officials being especially outspoken in their support for India. The American response took on a more personal touch when the tragedy happened when US Vice President JD Vance and his family were in India for a formal four-day visit.
The attack’s timing during the vice president’s visit brought attention to the region’s ongoing security issues and offered a chance for high-level, direct talks regarding the two countries’ collaboration in counterterrorism. Multiple US officials’ prompt and forceful condemnations highlighted how crucial the India-US strategic alliance is to tackling regional security issues and fighting terrorism.
Following the Pahalgam terror assault, FBI Director Kash Patel—a close advisor of US President Donald Trump and notably of Indian descent—became a vocal supporter of India. On Sunday, April 26, 2025, Patel posted on platform X to offer his sympathies to the victims and to support the Indian government in its attempts to prosecute those responsible.
“The FBI sends our condolences to all the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir – and will continue to offer our full support to the Indian government,” he said in his message, which emphasized unity with India while underlining the ongoing threat of terrorism on a worldwide scale. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers that terrorism poses to our globe. Offer up prayers for those impacted. We are grateful to the law enforcement personnel that respond to calls during times like this. As the director of one of the top law enforcement and intelligence organizations in the world, Patel’s remarks are very significant in international counterterrorism operations and demonstrate the US’s strong commitment to supporting India.
Patel’s remarks are especially important in light of India-US ties because he is an FBI director of Indian descent. Given his background, he might have a better grasp of the dynamics of regional security and India’s threat from terrorism. In order to help Indian authorities investigate the attack and stop such instances in the future, the FBI may offer “full support” in the form of forensic aid, intelligence exchange, or other technical collaboration.
The expanding security alliance between the United States and India, which has been reinforced during the Trump administration’s extended term, is further supported by Patel’s public pledge. In addition, Patel’s personal letter recognizes the vital role that law enforcement officers play in responding to terrorist acts, strengthening the bonds between the security services in both countries.
Other senior US officials have also expressed strong support for India in the wake of the incident, in addition to FBI Director Patel’s remarks. In order to offer his sympathies and denounce the terrorist act, President Donald Trump personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump vehemently denounced the incident during the discussion and said the US fully supports India’s efforts to prosecute those responsible. Trump said, “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism,” in a statement that was circulated on social media. We offer up prayers.
for the healing of the wounded and for the souls of the deceased. We extend our sincere condolences and complete support to Prime Minister Modi and the amazing people of India. You all have our deepest sympathies. This high-level interaction shows how strategically important the US views its relationship with India, especially when it comes to counterterrorism and regional security.
Since US Vice President JD Vance was in India with his family at the time of the attack, his answer had an especially personal touch. Just one day prior to the attack, Vance, who was in Jaipur with his wife Usha Vance and their kids, had paid Prime Minister Modi a visit at his Delhi home for bilateral discussions centered on the two countries’ trade progress.
Vance published the following sincere statement on the social media site X: “Usha and I offer our condolences to the victims of the tragic terrorist assault in Pahalgam, India. The beauty of this nation and its citizens has engulfed us in the last few days. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack”. The Vice President’s presence in India during this tragic event allowed for immediate high-level discussions about the attack and potential collaborative measures to address terrorism in the region, further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
India has taken a number of important diplomatic actions against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, accusing it of harboring and assisting terrorist groups. The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a vital commercial route with Pakistan, will be closed immediately, the Indian government declared. This economic action is a serious setback to bilateral trade because the Attari-Wagah corridor has been an essential route for
international trade. The land port saw 71,563 passenger crossings, 6,871 cargo movements, and trade of ₹3,886.53 crore in the fiscal year 2023–2024 alone. Before the border is fully blocked on May 1, 2025, anybody who have passed with legitimate endorsements will be allowed to return through that route, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
In addition to economic restrictions, India has taken a number of other diplomatic actions. All Pakistanis in India who were enrolled in the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) were instructed to depart the country within 48 hours after the government discontinued the program. Since its launch in 1992, the SVES has allowed certain groups of people from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member states to travel without a visa. These individuals include government dignitaries, lawmakers, judges, senior officials, journalists, athletes, and business executives. Furthermore, India has asked Pakistan to cut 50 employees from its High Commission.
%, yet the information that is now accessible seems to be lacking in details regarding this measure. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a water-sharing arrangement that has been in force since 1960, which is arguably the most significant move, according to the question. Given the gravity of the incident and the government’s resolve to hold Pakistan responsible for terrorist acts originating from its territory, these combined actions constitute India’s most extensive diplomatic reaction to a terrorist attack in recent memory.
Tragically, the Pahalgam terror assault has brought attention to the ongoing threat of terrorism in the area while also enhancing international collaboration in counterterrorism initiatives, especially between the US and India. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and FBI Director Kash Patel’s professions of support and statements of solidarity highlight how important both countries value their strategic cooperation.
The united response to terrorism and the tangible pledges of support show how the largest and oldest democracies in the world are strengthening their security partnership. The worldwide support—especially from the United States—provides crucial diplomatic backing for India’s major diplomatic steps against Pakistan in reaction to the attack.
As a result, the tragedy has not only sparked a robust bilateral response but has also strengthened the will of nations throughout the world to fight terrorism via cooperation and solidarity. The international response raises the possibility of long-term ramifications for counterterrorism tactics and regional security cooperation, even though the attack’s personal cost is yet incalculable for the victims’ families.
