Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a telephone conversation with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which Hegseth expressed condolences over the recent attack in Pahalgam and assured full support for India’s right to self-defense.
According to NDTV, the US Secretary reaffirmed America’s strong support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating that the United States stands by India.
During the call, the Indian minister said, “Pakistan has a history of training and funding terrorist organizations. It has emerged as a rogue state, supporting global terrorism and destabilizing the region. The world can no longer turn a blind eye to this menace.”
The conversation followed a week-long exchange of gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
Previously, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also expressed support for India’s stance against terrorism. However, Rubio urged India to engage in dialogue with Pakistan to ease tensions.
Meanwhile, amid the ongoing tensions, Pakistani forces conducted a full-scale military exercise near the LoC. The exercise included tanks, artillery, and live ammunition. According to army sources, the drill was designed to respond decisively to any form of aggression. Personnel from various units, including officers and regular troops, participated in the drill.
The Express Tribune reported that Indian troops allegedly fired small arms without provocation in the Kiani and Mandal sectors along the LoC on Wednesday. In retaliation, Pakistani forces reportedly destroyed several Indian posts. This confrontation was followed by the military exercise.
Tensions escalated after gunmen killed 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. India accused Pakistan of being indirectly involved in the attack, further straining bilateral relations.