U.S., Japan Mark Anniversary of Pahalgam Attack, Express Support for India

NEW DELHI — The United States and Japan paid tribute Wednesday to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on its one-year anniversary, reaffirming support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism.

The attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. Authorities said the victims were targeted after being identified by religion in what was described as one of the most brutal attacks on civilians in recent years.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Washington stands with India in remembering the victims and confronting terrorism.

“On the one-year anniversary of the horrific attack in Pahalgam, we remember the innocent victims and honour their memory as we mourn with their families. The United States stands with the people of India in their fight against terrorism,” Gor said in a post on X.

Japan’s Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.

“One year after the heinous Pahalgam terrorist attack, we remember the innocent victims. Japan condemns terrorism in all its forms and stands in solidarity with India — in our shared resolve to combat terrorism and commitment to peace and security,” he said.

Indian officials have said the attack was carried out by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to reports, attackers singled out victims after asking about their religion, forcing some to recite Islamic phrases to identify non-Muslims.

Among those killed were 25 tourists and a local pony ride operator who attempted to protect them. Several victims were newly married, and some were shot at close range in front of family members.

In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor” in early May 2025, targeting what officials described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Authorities said the operation was calibrated to neutralize threats while avoiding escalation.

Officials reiterated that the response underscored India’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism while maintaining strategic restraint. (Source: IANS)