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US lawmakers across party lines on April 22, renewed calls for stronger global action against terrorism, with Congressman Brad Sherman urging Pakistan to act against groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has been linked to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
Speaking at a special exhibition organized by the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. on the “Human Cost of Terrorism” on Capitol Hill, Sherman remembered the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed last year.
The event marked the solemn first anniversary of the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The commemoration reflected on the enduring pain and impact of the attack.
The exhibition used interactive displays, video presentations, and personal testimonies to highlight the devastating and far-reaching consequences of terrorism on individuals, families and communities across the world. It paid tribute to the victims and their families, while also serving as a reminder of the urgent need for sustained global cooperation to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
As one of the largest events hosted by the Embassy on Capitol Hill, it brought together 19 members of the US Congress from across the political spectrum, along with representatives from over 60 Congressional offices.
Participants included members of key committees such as House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Armed Services, Judiciary, and Homeland Security. The event also saw the presence of senior US administration officials, members of the Indian diaspora, students, media, and think tanks, all united in their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message: “India will never bow to any form of terror.”
Members of Congress expressed strong bipartisan solidarity and underscored their commitment to deepening India–US cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
“The attackers, identified as The Resistance Front, targeted innocent people, reportedly separating victims by religion. The group is widely seen as linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has found sanctuary in Pakistan,” Sherman said at the exhibition on Wednesday evening.
“We must use this moment to demand that the Pakistani government clamp down on Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and other terrorist groups,” the Democrat leader said.
The digital showcase highlighted major terror attacks across the world, including the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and the Pahalgam attack, and identified the groups responsible, including Pakistan-based outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.
“The special exhibition essentially serves to remind us of a few things. One, the scourge of terror upon humanity remains determined to destroy our societies. Countries around the world need to come together and remain resolute in defeating terrorism,” Kwatra told reporters.
Lawmakers who attended the exhibition included Michael Baumgartner, Bill Huizenga and Lisa McClain (all Republicans), and Julie Johnson, April Delaney, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jamie Raskin, Shri Thanedar, and Jonathan Jackson.
“We can share intelligence, ideas, policies and information to fight this threat jointly. When you work in silos, it is harder to coordinate and respond effectively. Through partnership, we can combine what each side is doing and build on what works,” said McClain, chair of the House Republican Conference.
Congressman Richard McCormick described terrorism as a “unique evil” threatening both India and the US.
“We face extremist forces that seek to crush those who think differently and reject freedom, self-determination and unity. That is our common enemy,” McCormick said.
“Terrorism is everyone’s problem. Those who try to destroy our diversity through violence, and who do not accept us for who we are, are the true enemy. I stand with you, and I look forward to working together. We will have peace through strength,” he said.
India on May 7, 2025, launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation struck nine sites, including headquarters and training centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where attacks against India were planned and directed.
India’s retaliatory action was based on meticulous planning and an intelligence-led approach, which ensured that the operations were conducted with minimal collateral damage. Operational ethics were central to the mission, and restraint was exercised to avoid civilian harm, according to an official.
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