In the wake of the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, a wave of strong international condemnation and support for India poured in from leaders across the world. US President Donald Trump, in a message on his platform Truth Social, described the incident as deeply disturbing and extended full support and deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. “The United States stands strong with India against terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured,” Trump said.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently visiting India, also offered condolences, highlighting the beauty of the country and the resilience of its people. In a post on X, he said he and his wife were deeply saddened by the attack and their prayers were with the victims. The US State Department condemned the incident as a heinous act with no justification and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, stating on X that the US stands with India. The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs confirmed that the situation is being monitored closely.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, describing the attack as a brutal crime without justification. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with India in the fight against terrorism. The Russian Embassy also confirmed Russia’s solidarity with India during this tragic time.
The United Arab Emirates expressed strong condemnation of the attack and affirmed its firm stance against all forms of violence and terrorism. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed condolences to the Indian government and the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was deeply saddened by the attack and expressed Italy’s solidarity with the Indian government and people. Iran’s Embassy in New Delhi also condemned the incident, extending condolences and prayers for the injured. France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, took to X to denounce the attack and reiterated France’s support in India’s fight against terrorism.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the heinous act and reaffirmed its solidarity with India, emphasizing its commitment to regional peace and security. Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both expressed shock and sadness over the loss of innocent lives. Netanyahu stated that Israel stands with India, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also voiced strong support, condemning the violence in the strongest terms.
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, described the attack as reprehensible and conveyed condolences to the families affected. Nepal, too, condemned the incident, labeling it barbaric. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended condolences and expressed support for India. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba stated that Nepal was verifying reports regarding the possible involvement of Nepali nationals among the victims.
Following the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar. He stated that those responsible for the attack would not be spared and briefed PM Modi about the situation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also participated in the review meeting. Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Anantnag, to apprehend the attackers. Candlelight marches were held across Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, Bandipora, and other parts of Kashmir, with local residents showing solidarity against terrorism.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stated that joint forces are overseeing the situation and that medical teams were promptly mobilized for casualty evacuation. It described the violence as senseless and emphasized the commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In Jeddah, PM Modi met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who strongly condemned the terror attack. The two discussed the promotion of moderate values and the possibility of organizing a Diversity and Harmony Summit in India. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Modi appreciated the Muslim World League’s role in promoting social cohesion and denouncing extremism and violence.
In view of the attack, PM Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia and departed for India early Wednesday morning, skipping an official dinner hosted by the Saudi leadership. During his visit, PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting. The Prime Minister invited the Crown Prince to India for the next round of the Council’s meeting.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also cut short her visit to the United States and Peru “to be with our people in this difficult and tragic time.”
(With ANI inputs)
