Vice President JD Vance‘s tour of India was rocked on Tuesday after dozens of people were killed after a gunman opened fire on a group of tourists.
Vance had been in the country to help build closer ties with Prime minister Narendra Modi as talks over a trade deal progress.
He had visited the northwestern city of Jaipur on Tuesday following his meeting with Modi on Monday as part of a four day trip to the country.
Suspected militants opened fire on tourists in the Jammu and Kasmir territory on Tuesday afternoon.
At least 24 people were killed, Indian police have said, but according to local reports, the death loss is likely to rise to between 26 and 30.
The attack took place in the popular summer retreat of Pahalgam, about 55 miles by road from the key city of Srinagar.
Four gunmen, described by senior officers as militants fighting against Indian rule, opened fire at close range with many of those injured in a serious condition.
Indian media has reported that a group of gun-wielding individuals appeared in the area and initially asked tourists to show their identity cards. Just moments later, they allegedly opened fire.
Vice President JD Vance addresses a gathering at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur on April 22, 2025
At least 24 people were killed, Indian police have said, but according to local reports, the death loss is likely to rise to between 26 and 30
President Donald Trump called the attack ‘deeply disturbing’ and said the United States ‘stands strong with India against terrorism’.
Writing on his Truth Social social media platform, Trump said: ‘We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured.’
Modi decried the ‘heinous act’ and pledged the attackers ‘will be brought to justice’, writing: ‘Their evil agenda will never succeed.’
Vance said in a post: ‘Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India.
‘Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack.’
Prior to his trip to India the VP had been inside Vatican City where he met the late Pope Francis on Sunday, just hours before the Holy Father’s passing.
This is a breaking news story.
