U.S. backs India’s right to defend itself: Defence Secretary Hegseth to Rajnath Singh

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday expressed deep condolences over the tragic loss of innocent lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, and reaffirmed Washington’s support for India’s right to defend itself.

In a phone call with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Secretary Hegseth conveyed the U.S. government’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism. “The United States strongly supports India’s right to defend itself,” Mr. Hegseth was quoted as saying in a statement from the Defence Ministry.

During the conversation, Mr. Singh strongly condemned Pakistan’s continued role in supporting terrorism and destabilising the region. “Pakistan has been exposed as a rogue state that funds, trains, and supports terrorist organisations,” Mr. Singh said, according to the official readout.

He further emphasised that the international community can no longer afford to ignore the threat of terrorism. “The world must stop turning a blind eye and must explicitly and unequivocally call out such heinous acts,” he added.

The Defence Ministry said the U.S. Secretary’s call was primarily to offer sympathies and condolences over the Pahalgam terror incident, which claimed multiple civilian lives and reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.

Mr. Hegseth reiterated the U.S. government's strong and continued support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism globally.