Washington– U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard on Friday voiced strong support for India’s efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the recent “horrific Islamist terrorist attack” in Pahalgam.
Gabbard joins a growing chorus of American leaders condemning the assault, which killed 26 Hindus earlier this week. President Donald Trump had called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi within hours of the attack on Tuesday to offer his support.
“We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam,” Gabbard wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost loved ones, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and with the people of India. We stand with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack.”
Gabbard’s remarks come as India ramps up its response, alleging the attack has clear “cross-border” links to Pakistan. In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani diplomats, scaled down diplomatic missions, and closed the land border crossing at Wagah.
“India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers,” Prime Minister Modi declared. “We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism.”
The Resistance Front, believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Gabbard, who has longstanding ties with India dating back to her tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, previously served as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional India Caucus. She has developed close relations with the Modi administration and earlier this year became the first member of President Trump’s second-term cabinet to visit India. During her March visit, Gabbard met with Modi and delivered a keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue, a premier security conference. (Source: IANS)
