The US on Monday said it has been following reports accusing India of conducting targeted killings in Pakistan and said it encourages the two countries to find a solution through talks.

India had last week rejected the targeted killing charges, made in a report in the UK daily The Guardian citing Pakistani evidence, as “false and malicious anti-India propaganda”.

Asked about the allegations, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller asserted his government will not interfere in the issue but encourage both sides to avoid escalation.

#WATCH | On being asked about the United States’ position on Pakistan’s allegations against India about carrying out state killings in Pakistan, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller says, “So we have been following the media reports about this issue. We don’t have any… pic.twitter.com/vwaKjkvK0Q

— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2024

“We have been following the media reports about this issue. We don’t have any comment on the underlying allegations. But of course, while we’re not going to get in the middle of this situation, we encourage both sides to avoid escalation and find a resolution through dialogue,” he said.

The Guardian report claimed that the Indian intelligence agency RAW had carried out up to 20 such assassinations since the Pulwama attack of 2019.

The report, which cited evidence supplied by Pakistan and interviews with intelligence officials from both sides of the border, also claimed that Delhi “has implemented a policy of targeting those it considers hostile to India”.

It also quoted Pakistani officers who accused sleeper cells of the Indian intelligence established in the UAE of the killings. The report also cited an unnamed Indian official saying that the country had drawn inspiration from Israel’s Mossad and Russia’s KGB — intelligence agencies that have been linked to extrajudicial killings on foreign soil — and the killing of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

India trashed the charges quoting Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who had said recently that targeted killings in other countries were “not the government of India’s policy”.

The foreign ministry’s denial was also mentioned in the report by The Guardian.

As the Israel-Hamas war completed its six months, Moran, a survivor of the October 7 attack, conveyed appreciation towards India and its people for their steadfast support during a challenging period.

Moran’s words reflect the profound bond shared between the two nations in times of adversity.

“I see the Indian support that started much before, years before October 7 and after October 7,” Moran expressed, highlighting the enduring nature of India’s solidarity, adding, “Thanks to Prime Minister Modi, all over the media. And we know that India is a true friend of Israel.”

Moran’s gratitude extended beyond governmental assistance, acknowledging the compassion and friendship displayed by the Indian populace. “I think it’s not just the Indian government. Thanks to the Indian people, who have always been and continue to be a good friend of ours,” Moran added, emphasising the collective support from India.

Acknowledging India’s role in amplifying Israel’s voice globally, Moran added, “Our voice cannot be everywhere. Everywhere. And we know that the Indian people are taking care of everything we need.”

“Thank you very much to the government, but for the people as well,” Moran expressed, encapsulating the depth of gratitude towards India’s unwavering support.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Naor Gilon too has said India has been very strong against terrorism from the first moment. He said that Israel is appreciative of the Indian government’s support since Hamas launched the attack on October 7.

In an interview with ANI on January 30, Mr Gilon said that Israel has received “incredible support” from the Indian people amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Speaking about India’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mr Gilon said, “India was very strong against terrorism from the first moment. Prime Minister Modi, on the afternoon of October 7, already came out with a very strong condemnation. We are much appreciative of the Indian government for its support from that time on.”

The war in Gaza continues after Israel launched a counter-offensive in response to the Hamas attack on October 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the horrific terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra today anounced the seat-sharing arrangement for Maharashtra ahead of Lok Sabha election. After weeks of negotiations, Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), and Nana Patole, the president of the state Congress, jointly announced the poll pact for the 48 seats in the state.