"I Will Say Nothing More": US Spokesperson Shuts Down Pakistani Journalist Over Pahalgam Terror Attack Question

In a firm and pointed moment during a press briefing, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce refused to entertain a Pakistani journalist’s question regarding border tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack. The attack, which killed 26 people including tourists at the scenic Baisaran meadow in South Kashmir, has drawn strong international condemnation, including from the United States.

During the media interaction, when asked about the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the brutal terror assault, Bruce was clear and curt in her response. "I am not going to be remarking on it. I appreciate this, and perhaps we will come back to you with another subject. I will say nothing more on that situation," she stated, signaling a deliberate shut down of any attempt to divert focus from the terror incident to bilateral tensions.

She further reiterated the stance of the US leadership, emphasizing that President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had already made their positions known, offering unwavering support to India and condemning terrorism in the strongest terms.

"As President Trump and Secretary Rubio have made clear, the US stands with India, strongly condemns all acts of terrorism. We pray for the lives of those lost and pray for the recovery of the injured and call for the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice," she added.

Bruce’s comments underscored the Biden-Trump continuity in foreign policy when it comes to terrorism and India’s security concerns, reflecting a bipartisan approach within US foreign policy circles. The administration’s no-nonsense tone, marked by Bruce’s refusal to even entertain deflections, highlights a strategic alignment with India, particularly in the wake of heightened global scrutiny of cross-border terrorism.

President Trump personally called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express condolences and support following the terror incident. Modi, in turn, thanked Trump for the solidarity shown by the United States and reaffirmed India’s resolve to bring not just the perpetrators but also their sponsors to justice.

"India is determined to bring perpetrators and backers of this cowardly and heinous terrorist attack to justice," Modi stated in his response to Trump.

Addressing a public rally in Bihar’s Madhubani, PM Modi took a hardline stance against terrorism, vowing to track down the terrorists and their sponsors. "From the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world — India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. India's spirit will never be broken by terrorism," he thundered, drawing wide support domestically.

India's reaction to the attack has been swift and comprehensive. Apart from security crackdowns in the region, New Delhi has announced a range of punitive diplomatic measures against Pakistan. These include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, reduction of diplomatic staff in embassies to 30, and the revocation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals starting April 27. Indian citizens in Pakistan have also been advised to return home at the earliest due to escalating tensions.

The Pahalgam terror attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has revived global concerns over the cross-border nature of terrorism in South Asia. The attack, which took place at Baisaran — popularly known as “Mini Switzerland” — has particularly shocked the nation because it targeted a popular tourist destination, indicating an intent to destabilize not just national security but also economic confidence in the region.

Tammy Bruce’s response at the US State Department briefing is being viewed as a clear diplomatic signal: the United States is aligning its narrative with India’s position on cross-border terrorism and is unwilling to entertain attempts to deflect attention from the core issue — terror networks operating with impunity.

In recent years, the strategic partnership between India and the United States has deepened across defense, counterterrorism, and intelligence sharing. Bruce’s firm posture is likely to further solidify this cooperation at a time when New Delhi is calling for global unity against state-sponsored terrorism.

While Pakistan has often attempted to internationalize bilateral issues, especially at global forums, the US response suggests that Washington sees no merit in diverting focus from the core issue of terrorism. It also sends a strong message to other nations on where the US stands on South Asian regional security — firmly beside India in its fight against terror.

As the world continues to grapple with evolving threats from non-state actors and terror groups, this moment at the US press briefing reflects a significant geopolitical shift — where clarity, not diplomatic ambiguity, defines alliances and priorities.