NEW DELHI– India is likely to call on U.S. authorities to bolster security for its diplomats and embassy personnel in Washington, D.C., following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers earlier this week, sources told IANS.
“The security of our diplomats is a serious concern,” a senior official said. “We are closely reviewing the situation after the tragic attack on the Israeli officials.”
The issue has gained urgency ahead of a scheduled visit by an all-party Indian delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, to Washington in early June. The visit, part of India’s global campaign to raise awareness about cross-border terrorism and to explain the rationale behind Operation Sindoor, has already drawn threats from Khalistani separatists, officials added.
Operation Sindoor is India’s recent initiative targeting terrorist infrastructure in areas under Pakistani control.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Denmark, condemned the killings on social media, stating: “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and colleagues. The perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
The two victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington by a lone assailant. U.S. Homeland Security officials confirmed the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was apprehended at the scene after reportedly shouting “Free, free Palestine.”
Israeli missions worldwide, including in New Delhi, lowered their flags to half-mast in mourning. “In profound sorrow, we lower the flag today to remember Yaron and Sarah, victims of a brutal terrorist act in Washington, DC. May their memory be a blessing,” the Israeli Embassy in India posted on X.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the attack. “This is deeply shocking. We condemn the attack. Those responsible must be brought to justice. The safety and security of diplomatic staff is paramount,” said ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly briefing.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the incident as a “senseless act” and confirmed an active investigation was underway. “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed near the Jewish Museum. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she posted on X.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, labeling the act as rooted in anti-Semitism. Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on anti-Semitism, must end, now! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”
As India continues to navigate threats against its diplomatic presence abroad, the U.S. incident is likely to amplify calls for increased security and tighter cooperation with host governments to protect foreign missions. (Source: IANS)
