Rajnath Singh Talks to US Defense Chief on Pahalgam Attack
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a significant telephonic conversation with United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The call marks a crucial diplomatic step as India seeks to build international consensus against Pakistan-backed terror networks operating across the border.
Rajnath Singh US Talks Focus on Terror Response
According to defense ministry sources, the conversation revolved around the April 22 incident in which heavily armed terrorists ambushed civilians near Pahalgam. “The U.S. Secretary of Defense conveyed his deepest sympathies and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack,” stated an official familiar with the matter.
Secretary Hegseth reportedly reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to support India’s right to self-defense, signaling a clear alignment with India’s stance amid increasing tensions in South Asia.
India Highlights Pakistan’s Terror Links
Rajnath Singh used the opportunity to emphasize the long-standing issue of Pakistan’s active support for terror outfits. He is believed to have underlined the importance of a united international stance against state-sponsored terrorism. “There can be no ambiguity in condemning terrorism and its supporters,” Singh is said to have told his counterpart.
This dialogue came shortly after India announced a set of punitive measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, and a diplomatic downgrade. Additionally, India has granted full operational autonomy to its armed forces, signaling its intent to respond with force if provoked further.
Strategic Backing Amid India Pakistan Tension
The support from Washington comes at a sensitive time when the Indian military is on heightened alert and cross-border activity is under strict surveillance. The Modi government has made it clear that any further escalation will be met with a proportionate response.
With global pressure mounting on Pakistan and the United States showing solidarity with India, the conversation between Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth is being seen as a key milestone in bolstering India’s diplomatic and military posture.
As the world watches closely, India’s message remains uncompromising—terrorism, especially that which is state-sponsored, will be met with decisive and united resistance.
