Washington, D.C.– Two Indian American lawmakers voiced strong reactions Wednesday to India’s retaliatory strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following last month’s deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. While one expressed unequivocal support for India’s right to defend itself, the other emphasized the need to combat terrorism without allowing it to serve as a pretext for democratic backsliding in Pakistan.
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois called for restraint and warned Pakistan against using the current regional tensions as an excuse to suppress democratic processes. “In the wake of last month’s horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the need to combat terrorism and prevent future violence has become even more urgent,” he said. “At the same time, Pakistan must release former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ensure free and fair elections that uphold democratic values. The current situation should not be used as a pretext to further undermine democracy.”
Krishnamoorthi also referenced comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called for de-escalation while monitoring the developing situation closely. Rubio echoed President Biden’s earlier call for calm and reiterated that the United States would remain engaged with both Indian and Pakistani leadership to promote a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar offered full-throated support for India’s counterterrorism action. “Terrorism cannot be tolerated, and it cannot go unanswered,” Thanedar said. “India has the right to defend its people, and I stand firmly with our ally in its efforts to dismantle these extremist networks.”
He further emphasized the need for strong U.S.-India ties in the face of shared threats. “The United States should always stand with our allies against terrorism. This is a time for deeper U.S.-India cooperation to protect innocent lives and defend the principles of democracy, human rights, and religious freedom.”
Both lawmakers are Democrats and members of the informal “Samosa Caucus,” a group of Indian American representatives in Congress that also includes Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal. Krishnamoorthi, who has announced a 2026 U.S. Senate run, has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and democratic governance in South Asia.
The comments come as India’s Operation Sindoor continues to draw international scrutiny and mixed diplomatic responses. While several world leaders have called for de-escalation, many lawmakers in the U.S. have affirmed India’s right to respond to terrorism, especially in the wake of the April 22 attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. (Source: IANS)
