Reps. Khanna and McCormick co-Chair the India Caucus in the 119th Congress. / house.gov

Two influential lawmakers on April 24 urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio for close India-US intelligence cooperation and support counterterrorism operations to dismantle two Pakistan-based terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.

“We call for close intelligence cooperation between US-India and support for counterterrorism operations to dismantle Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen,” Congressmen Ro Khanna and Mitch McCormick said after writing a strongly worded letter to Rubio in the wake of Pahalgam terrorist attack that took lives of 26 innocent Indians.

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“This senseless attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians and has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting serious diplomatic and security concerns,” the two lawmakers said. Indian American Khanna is the Democratic Co-Chair of the powerful Congressional India Caucus and McCormick is the GOP co-chair of the India Caucus.

“The group responsible for this attack, known as The Resistance Front (TRF), has been identified as being affiliated with extremist organizations operating within Pakistan’s borders, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen,” Khanna and McCormick said.

These groups have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) by the State Department, and this latest attack comes amid a growing wave of violence linked to such actors who threaten regional and international stability, they wrote.

“The United States must continue to stand with India in condemning and combatting terrorism to promote a stable, secure environment in the region that protects civilians, discourages further violence, and upholds the rule of law,” the two lawmakers wrote recommending a three-point action from the Department of State.

The three being enhanced intelligence cooperation, support counterterrorism operations and advocate for regional stability.

Asserting that the US and Indian intelligence agencies must strengthen and expand existing collaborative efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region, they said this includes increasing information-sharing platforms, joint operations, and real-time intelligence support to combat the recruitment, funding, and logistics capabilities of these groups.

“Both India and the U.S. must work towards integrating their counterterrorism strategies to enable the rapid identification and disruption of terrorist cells, weapons caches, and smuggling routes. Leveraging advanced technologies and satellite surveillance can help uncover hidden training camps and other infrastructure used by these groups, helping prevent future attacks while ensuring regional stability,” the letter said.

Khanna and Mccormick wrote that, considering the persistent threat posed by extremist groups operating in the region, the US should work to provide targeted support to Indian counterterrorism efforts. This includes technical expertise and logistical capabilities, such as intelligence analytics, satellite tools, and communications platforms, to enhance the effectiveness of Indian security forces on the ground.

In addition, the US should assist in developing counterterrorism strategies that ensure Indian forces can neutralize terrorist threats, while aligning with international standards of engagement, they said.

“It is critical that the U.S. work not only to assist in dismantling terrorist networks but also to encourage India and Pakistan as they work to maintain peace and avoid further escalation. We recognize the geopolitical complexities in the region, while emphasizing India’s longstanding struggles in addressing cross-border terror. We respect the careful judgment its leaders bring to these challenges and deem it critical to support both states in their efforts for civility,” Khanna and McCormick said.

They asserted that it is crucial to keep diplomatic channels open to India and Pakistan so that they may work toward reducing hostilities and fostering a more secure environment”. Our actions must be swift, targeted, and strategic to ensure the long-term security interests of both India and the international community,” they wrote in the letter.

Meanwhile, top American lawmakers continue to support India in this hour of crisis.

“My heart breaks for the innocent tourists and locals murdered by terrorists in the revolting attack in Kashmir, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured. There can be no tolerance for the hatred that breeds this kind of unjustifiable violence,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said.

“I am horrified by the senseless act of terror targeting civilians on Tuesday in Kashmir. I join the world in prayer for the victims and their families during this incredibly painful time. Everyone responsible for this despicable attack must be held accountable. The people of India have my full support as the nation grapples with this horrific tragedy,” Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

In a joint statement, Congressmen Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee said they stand in solidarity with India in condemning the appalling terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that targeted innocent civilians, including tourists, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 26 people.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of India during this difficult time,” they said.

“India is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Our countries have made great strides in cooperation to: counter terrorism, preserve the rules-based international order, and strengthen stability. We should continue to work together to ensure those who violently attack civilians are brought to justice and that our countries remain secure, free, and prosperous,” Rogers and Smith said.

“I am heartbroken by the horrific attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir. My prayers are with the victims and their families as they mourn and grapple with this senseless violence. We must stand united against terrorism in all its forms and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said.