Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Both nations have taken defensive actions against one another, and the exchange of accusations and threats has further fueled the growing unrest. In the past three days, there have also been incidents of gunfire between the two countries' military forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.
Amidst this volatile situation in Southeast Asia, the United States has issued a response. The US government has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. Furthermore, it has urged both countries to work towards a responsible resolution of the crisis.
On Sunday, April 27, Reuters reported this development.
According to the report, the US State Department issued an email statement expressing concern over the Pahalgam attack. While the statement publicly supported India, it did not criticise Pakistan.
A US State Department spokesperson said, "This is a rapidly evolving situation. We are monitoring it closely and maintaining multiple channels of communication with both the Indian and Pakistani governments."
The spokesperson continued by emphasising that the US encourages all parties to work toward a responsible resolution.
Moreover, the spokesperson expressed that Washington stands by India and strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance made similar remarks in support of India.
The United States considers India an important partner, especially in its efforts to counter China's influence in Asia. However, it also regards Pakistan as an important partner, although relations between the US and Pakistan have somewhat deteriorated following the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
For context, on April 22, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. India accused Pakistan of being indirectly involved in the attack, leading India to suspend the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan on Wednesday. India also took several other retaliatory measures.
Pakistan has interpreted India's actions, taken without an investigation, as a declaration of war. In response, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a stern warning concerning the Indus water issue. He made it clear that Pakistan will defend its water rights at any cost.
Following the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, Bilawal Bhutto, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former foreign minister, issued a direct threat to India. He stated, "Water will either flow through the Indus, or Indian blood will flow."
