In a strong display of solidarity, the Director of National Intelligence of the United States, Tulsi Gabbard, wrote to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, paying tribute to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Gabbard expressed America’s unwavering support for India in the aftermath of what she described as a "horrific Islamist terrorist attack that killed Hindus." The incident has drawn global condemnationand intensified scrutiny on the role of Pakistan-based terrorist groups.

Gabbard emphasized that the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder with India during this time of grief and outrage. In her letter, she extended Washington's full cooperation in India’s pursuit of justice. "We are with you and support you as you hunt down those responsible for this heinous attack," she affirmed.

We stand in solidarity with India in the wake of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack, targeting and killing 26 Hindus in Pahalgam. My prayers and deepest sympathies are with those who lost a loved one, PM @narendramodi, and with all the people of India. We are with you and…

— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) April 25, 2025

Religiously-Motivated Terror and Cross-Border Links

The brutal attack in Pahalgam left twenty-six people dead, including a foreign national. According to reports, the victims were targeted after being forced to prove their religious allegiance to Islam. This religiously motivated massacre has shocked people across the globe and led to widespread condemnation of extremist violence.

Following the attack, investigations revealed significant cross-border links pointing towards Pakistan. Intelligence sources confirmed that the perpetrators had connections to Pakistan-based terror networks. The Resistance Front, a shadow organization affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the massacre. This development has reignited concerns about terrorist safe havens operating in Pakistani territory and its occupied regions.

India’s Response and Security Measures

In response to the deadly attack, the Indian government convened a high-level security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi. The official statement following the meeting emphasized the cross-border nature of the terrorist activity and linked the attack to Pakistan’s continuing support for extremism in the region.

The government also highlighted that this violent incident came at a time when Jammu and Kashmir had successfully held elections and was steadily progressing toward peace, economic growth, and development. The Indian leadership has since vowed to take decisive action against all involved, including their sponsors.

PM Modi strongly condemned the attack, declaring that the Indian government would "hunt down terrorists and their supporters to the ends of the earth" and ensure they face consequences "beyond their imagination." In light of potential Indian military retaliation, Pakistan has reportedly shut down parts of its airspace to Indian flights and heightened its border surveillance, conducting constant aerial reconnaissance missions.

International Backing and Condemnation

The international community has rallied behind India, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in strong terms. US President Donald Trump supported India and PM Modi, stating that America "will stand strong with India." Russian President Vladimir Putin echoed similar sentiments, calling for swift punishment for the attackers and reiterating Russia's commitment to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation with India.

Leaders from France, Italy, and Israel, including President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also condemned the killings and extended their condolences to the Indian people.

Notably, even countries from the Islamic world joined the chorus of condemnation. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Jordan denounced the attack, expressing solidarity with India. At the time of the attack, PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia, holding talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the growing strategic ties between the two nations.

Global Support for India’s Stand Against Terrorism

The brutal killings have evoked a united global response. Nations such as the UK, Australia, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka also issued strong statements denouncing the attack and extending support to India. The incident has galvanized a sense of urgency among world leaders to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

This tragic attack has not only reignited long-standing concerns over cross-border terrorism but also reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to standing with India in its pursuit of peace, security, and justice.