In a significant diplomatic moment, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Friday firmly declined to respond to a Pakistani journalist’s query regarding India-Pakistan border tensions in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which killed 26 people including tourists, has sparked international outrage and solidified global support for India.
During a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, D.C., Bruce was asked to comment on the growing tensions between India and Pakistan. Without mincing words, she said, “I am not going to be remarking on it. I appreciate this, and perhaps, we will come back to you with another subject. I will say nothing more on that situation.”
Bruce emphasized that the stance of the US administration has already been made clear by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Deputy Secretary of State. “They have made their positions clear. I will not continue with something of that manner,” she stated, as reported by ANI.
Reiterating Washington’s unwavering support for New Delhi, Bruce said, “As President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear, the United States stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and pray for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice.”
The White House also revealed that President Trump personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolences and offer support. Modi responded by thanking Trump and reiterating India’s resolve to bring those responsible for the “cowardly and heinous” act to justice.
In response to the attack, India has taken major steps against Pakistan. These include suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties, and revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals effective April 27. Indian nationals residing in Pakistan have been advised to return immediately.
Speaking at a public rally in Madhubani, Bihar, PM Modi declared, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth.”