Washington D.C.—FBI Director Kash Patel has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, and pledged the Bureau’s full support to the Indian government in combating terrorism.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Director Patel expressed condolences to the victims and emphasized the persistent global threat posed by terrorism. He stated, “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. Thank you to the men and women of law enforcement who answer the call in moments like these.”
The attack occurred on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir. Gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, killing 26 people and injuring several others. The incident has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.
Aftermath in a dramatic move, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 — a landmark agreement that regulates the use and distribution of the Indus River system between the two nations. For the first time since the treaty’s inception, India has closed all four sluices controlling the river’s flow into Pakistan. In response, Islamabad condemned the action as an “act of war” and urged the international community to intervene.
India has also ordered all Pakistani nationals residing within its borders to leave the country within 48 hours. Additionally, the Wagah border crossing — a vital commercial and transit route — has been shut down. The Indian government further escalated tensions by revoking diplomatic immunity for Pakistan’s military attaché, demanding their immediate departure.
Meanwhile, on April 24, Pakistan announced the arrest of an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier who allegedly crossed into Pakistani territory. According to the Pakistan Army, the soldier, identified as Constable P.K. Singh of the BSF’s 182nd Battalion, was apprehended while armed. The circumstances of the border breach remain under investigation.
In a retaliatory move, Pakistan’s National Security Council imposed several countermeasures: the country’s airspace has been closed to Indian aircraft, Indian military diplomats have been ordered to leave immediately, and Indian nationals holding valid visas have been instructed to exit Pakistan by April 30. Islamabad has also suspended all bilateral trade with New Delhi.
Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and has called for a neutral investigation. The situation has led to heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides exchanging fire along the Line of Control.
Director Patel’s statement underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting India in its fight against terrorism and highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing such threats.
