India Condemns Murder of Israeli Diplomats in Washington
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke out on Thursday against the killing of two young Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. He emphasized that “the perpetrators must be brought to trial.”
Jaishankar added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and colleagues,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sarle expressed gratitude on social media.
The two victims, Yaron Lisinski, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were reportedly discussing matters just before the tragedy occurred. They were targeted by a left-wing activist identified as Elias Rodriguez.
Lisinski and Milgrim, who were engaged and employed by the Israeli Embassy in Washington, had plans to marry soon. Lisinski, a Christian with both Israeli and German citizenship, had been a research assistant at the embassy for several years. Milgrim, who was Jewish, grew up in Kansas and started working at the embassy in November 2023.
Rodriguez, a resident of Chicago, allegedly hid outside the capital’s Jewish Museum before opening fire on a group of people leaving a reception for the diplomats. Unfortunately, Lisinski and Milgrim were hit by multiple gunshots at close range.
Afterwards, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans while brandishing a scarf associated with Palestinian terrorism. The FBI is conducting an investigation into his connections with leftist and pro-Palestinian groups. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Over the past few years, Israel and India have strengthened their relationship, including military cooperation. Recent events saw India using Israeli-made drones in response to attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists, showcasing their growing defense partnership.
India has identified a Muslim gang, suspected to be involved in a recent attack in Kashmir, with reports suggesting they executed victims who could not answer religious questions correctly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly supported India’s responses to violence in Kashmir, expressing his sorrow over recent “terrorist attacks” that targeted tourists.
Netanyahu stated, “Our thoughts and prayers belong to the victims and their families. Israel stands with India in the fight against terrorism.”
This alliance has sparked outrage from Pakistani officials, who see it as a “axis of occupation,” comparing India’s stance in Kashmir to Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories.
On Thursday, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Randil Jaiswal called the attack in Washington “deeply shocking.” He insisted that those responsible must face justice, highlighting the paramount importance of diplomatic safety.
Reports indicate that India may seek heightened security for its diplomats in Washington. A high-level Indian delegation plans to visit the U.S. next month, with concerns particularly surrounding threats posed by Khalistani separatists.
Jaiswal remarked, “The safety of our diplomats is a sensitive issue. We’re closely evaluating what happened to the two Israeli embassy staff members.”
