On April 22, terrorists stormed Pahalgam in Kashmir and killed 26 individuals, leaving India reeling in shock. The attack was on popular tourist destinations and received worldwide condemnation. FBI Director Kash Patel was one of the most prominent to condemn the move outrightly. He offered “full support” to the Indian government via an X (formerly Twitter) post.
His message also underscored the long-standing global threat of terrorism. Simultaneously, US President Donald Trump has denounced the attack, although his response on the Kashmir dispute evoked raised eyebrows owing to inaccuracy. This editorial discusses the global reactions, the US backing of India, and the recurring issues of Kashmir.
The FBI sends our condolences to all the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir — and will continue offering our full support to the Indian government.
This is a reminder of the constant threats our world faces from the evils of terrorism. Pray for those affected.…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 26, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel’s Strong Stand
FBI Director Kash Patel, of Indian origin, strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack. In his X post, Patel expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured India of the FBI’s “full support.” His statement emphasized the global fight against terrorism and the need for international cooperation.
Kash Patel’s remarks were significant, given his role in global counter-terrorism efforts. They also highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation, especially for India, which faces security challenges in regions like Kashmir.
US’s Diplomatic Response
US has always stood by India in the wake of the attack. Although President Trump called the attack a “bad one,” his statement regarding Kashmir was problematic. He called the conflict between Pakistan and India an old issue but did not extend concrete support to India. Trump’s assertion that Kashmir is a “1,500-year conflict” was widely ridiculed as historically untrue. Trump did call Prime Minister Modi to express sympathy and denounce the attack.
Moreover, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee was in agreement with India by having a New York Times article corrected. The article had used the term “militants” to describe the gunmen rather than “terrorists.” This correction served to further indicate the US’s strong opposition to the attack and its endorsement of India.
Kashmir and International Diplomacy
The Pahalgam terror attack highlights the persisting instability in Kashmir. In spite of international criticism, there is no agreement on how to tackle the problems of the region. India continues to enhance its security stance, and Pakistan continues to stand firm, making international diplomatic efforts more difficult. The US, being a world power, has a central role in defining the debate. But conflicting reactions from political leaders indicate the complexity of Kashmir.
India’s diplomatic issues go beyond Pakistan. The nation also has to deal with international opinions. As the world powers denounce the attack, they have to manage the sensitive geopolitical dynamics in the region.
