International

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including two foreign nationals, US President Donald Trump reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences and reaffirm America's commitment to standing with India in the fight against terrorism.

The attack, carried out by militants affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), targeted a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley. The assailants used sophisticated weapons and were reportedly wearing camouflage outfits. The incident has been described as the deadliest terrorist attack in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Upon learning of the tragedy, President Trump immediately contacted Prime Minister Modi to express his deep sorrow and solidarity. In a statement, Trump described the incident as "deeply disturbing" and extended condolences to the victims and their families. He emphasized that the United States stands firmly with India in its efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Prime Minister Modi thanked President Trump for his support and reiterated India's commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the threat posed by extremist groups and called for a united front against such acts of violence.

The leaders also discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and intelligence sharing. They agreed to work closely together to strengthen security measures and prevent future attacks. The United States has pledged to assist India in its investigation into the Pahalgam attack and provide any necessary support to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The international community has also expressed its condemnation of the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the terrorist act as a "brutal crime" and reaffirmed Russia's commitment to cooperating with India in combating terrorism. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the governments of Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates also issued statements condemning the attack and offering condolences to the people of India.

In response to the attack, Indian authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leading the probe, with assistance from local law enforcement agencies. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers had been planning the assault for several weeks and had conducted reconnaissance of the area prior to the attack. Sketches of the suspects have been released, and a nationwide manhunt is underway.

The Pahalgam attack has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in conflict-prone areas. While Jammu and Kashmir has been a popular destination for travelers, recent events underscore the need for heightened security measures to protect visitors. The Indian government is reviewing its security protocols and considering additional measures to ensure the safety of both citizens and tourists.