Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a critical conversation with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday, following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that claimed 26 civilian lives.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Defence Ministry of India confirmed the interaction, stating that US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth expressed deep condolences for the victims and assured New Delhi of Washington’s unwavering support.
“Secretary Hegseth said that the US stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself. He reiterated the strong support of the US government in India’s fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
Rajnath Singh Blames Pakistan’s Long Terror Legacy
During the call, Singh directly raised concerns over Pakistan’s longstanding role in training, funding, and sheltering terrorist organisations.
“It is important for the global community to explicitly and unequivocally condemn and call out such heinous acts of terrorism,” Rajnath Singh told his American counterpart.
Growing Indo-US Strategic Convergence on Terror
The dialogue comes amid rising India-Pakistan tensions following repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border post the Pahalgam carnage.
India had earlier cautioned Pakistan through a hotline communication between the two countries’ Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO), warning of “consequences” over the breaches. On April 27-28, the Indian Army retaliated effectively to Pakistani small arms fire in Kupwara and Poonch districts, according to defence officials.
Jaishankar-Rubio Dialogue Echoes Same Message
On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing the Pahalgam tragedy.
“Perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice,” Jaishankar posted after the call.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added that Rubio reaffirmed US cooperation with India in counter-terror operations and encouraged India-Pakistan dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
India’s Response to Pakistan Intensifies
Following the Pahalgam attack, India has implemented a slew of measures:
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Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
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Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post
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Reduction in High Commission staff strength
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Revocation of Pakistani visas
On April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a high-level security meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS Gen. Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and NSA Ajit Doval.
Earlier, on April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had met in the immediate aftermath of the attack, where PM Modi granted full operational autonomy to the armed forces in deciding the method, timing, and nature of India’s response.
