The United States has emphasized the long-standing strategic cooperation between the two nations and reiterated its strong support for India in its ongoing war against terrorism. When an Indian all-party parliamentary delegation visited Washington last week under the leadership of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, this reaffirmation was made.
Following Operation Sindoor, which was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror assault on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, the delegation’s visit was a component of India’s international outreach initiatives.
According to State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with the Indian team and reaffirmed the US’s unwavering support for India’s counterterrorism efforts and the bilateral partnership in general. The advancement of important areas of cooperation, such as extending trade and commercial connections to promote economic growth in both countries, were also discussed during the meeting.
Parallel to this, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari led a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to Washington, where they met with Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker and other US officials. In addition to discussing significant facets of the US-Pakistan relationship, especially counterterrorism cooperation, the US reaffirmed its support for the continued halt of hostilities between India and Pakistan during these discussions. State Department officials, however, would to say whether they had gotten any specific guarantees from Pakistan about counterterrorism measures.
Spokesman Tammy Bruce responded to a query regarding the potential for US mediation in the Kashmir dispute by saying that although President Donald Trump has indicated a desire to settle protracted international disputes, the US is unable to discuss any particular plans or intentions. India has maintained that the area is an essential part of the nation and has continuously refused any outside mediation on the Jammu and Kashmir problem.
Overall, the US stance emphasizes a two-pronged strategy: it acknowledges the significance of preserving counterterrorism cooperation and diplomatic ties with Pakistan while also expressing strong support for India’s anti-terrorism initiatives and strategic relationship. The complexity of regional security dynamics and the US’s larger objectives in South Asia are reflected in this nuanced position.
