In the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, the US State Department on Sunday confirmed that it is in touch with both nations, urging them to seek a “responsible resolution.” The terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed in Kashmir has increased the diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Even as the US publicly reiterated its support to India, the US did not blame Pakistan outright for the attack. India blames Pakistan for orchestrating the April 22 incident, while Pakistan has denied its role and demanded a neutral investigation.
This is a dynamic situation, and we’re following events very closely. We’ve been engaging with the Indian and Pakistani governments at several levels,” a State Department spokesperson wrote to Reuters in an email. The spokesperson went on to say, “The United States calls on all sides to cooperate toward a responsible solution.
The State Department echoed the stance earlier expressed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, affirming that Washington “stands with India and strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.”
China Echoes Pakistan’s Demand for Neutral Probe
In concomitant diplomatic efforts, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday. Wang voiced support for an “unbiased investigation” into the attack, as quoted by a report carried by The Global Times.
China is well aware of Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports the efforts of Pakistan to maintain its sovereignty and security interests,” Wang was quoted as saying. He added, “China supports the early launch of an objective investigation, stressing that conflict is of no benefit to the basic interests of India and Pakistan or regional peace and stability.
China’s response is closely tied to its strengthening ties with Pakistan, even as its relationship with India appears to have improved recently.
India Briefs Foreign Envoys, Including China
After the attack, the Indian government had put up a briefing for foreign envoys based on initial observations. Interestingly, China was included in the session — a development demonstrating a relaxation in India-China ties. On the other hand, following the 2019 Pulwama attack, China’s representative was not included in comparable briefings.
Although the recent diplomatic advances between New Delhi and Beijing, China’s vocal expression of support for Pakistan’s stand remains a point of worry for India, particularly in regional security and stability terms.
