Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, expressed her condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, honoring the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives earlier this week. In her message, Gabbard extended America’s full support to India, condemning the "horrific Islamist terrorist attack that killed Hindus" and reiterating the US commitment to stand with India as it seeks justice for the victims.

The deadly attack, carried out by terrorists who forced victims to prove their allegiance to Islam, has sparked outrage in India and worldwide. The targeted killings, viewed as religiously motivated, have ignited protests across Kashmir, where locals have denounced terrorism and linked the attack to Pakistan, with further investigations revealing connections between the terrorists and Pakistan-based groups, including The Resistance Front, a faction of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India's government has stated that the attack is tied to cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. In a high-level security meeting led by PM Modi, the government discussed these links and noted that the attack occurred after successful elections in the Union Territory and its ongoing economic progress.

Pakistan, concerned about potential military retaliation, has increased border security and closed its airspace to Indian flights. The country has also initiated continuous air reconnaissance missions, fearing an escalation of military action by India.

In the wake of the attack, global leaders have expressed their solidarity with India. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli PM Netanyahu, French President Macron, and Italian PM Meloni have all voiced their support for PM Modi's stance on bringing the attackers to justice. Trump specifically expressed his backing for India’s efforts, while Putin called for the perpetrators to face "deserved punishment" and reinforced Russia's commitment to fighting terrorism alongside India.

The terror attack has also drawn strong reactions from the Islamic world, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Jordan offering their condolences. Meanwhile, leaders from the UK, Australia, China, Japan, and Sri Lanka have also condemned the attack and offered their support to India and its people.