Islamabad residents watch on television as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the nation
(AAMIR QURESHI)

Washington (AFP) – The United States threw its support behind India on Tuesday and pressed Pakistan to punish those behind a suicide attack in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel.

“We have been in close communication with the government of India to express not only our condolences but our strong support for India as it confronts this terrorism,” deputy State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told reporters.

“We urge Pakistan to fully cooperate with the investigation into the attack and to punish anyone responsible.”

Palladino said that the United States has been in contact with both countries since the February 14 attack, which was claimed by the Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. 

“We call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists,” Palladino said.

India earlier called on Pakistan to take “credible and visible action” against the perpetrators of the attack, rejecting Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer to investigate any evidence offered by New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced pressure from his Hindu nationalist base to respond forcefully to the attack, which comes weeks before he is expected to call general elections.

The United States has a fast-growing relationship with India on areas from defense to trade.

After years of seeking some balance in its ties between the nuclear-armed powers, the United States under President Donald Trump has taken a hard line on Pakistan, cutting off aid over Islamabad’s associations with extremists active in Afghanistan.

Disclaimer: This story is published from a syndicated feed. Siliconeer does not assume any liability for the above story. Validity of the above story is for 7 Days from original date of publishing. Content copyright AFP.