Condolences have poured in from across the globe following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left at least 26 civilians, majorly Hindus, dead and dozens more injured. The attack, one of the deadliest on civilians in the region in recent years, has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders and triggered urgent national action in India.
According to security agencies, The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the massacre. The attackers targeted tourists and civilians in what officials have described as a “pre-planned, cold-blooded assault on humanity.”
PM Modi vows justice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a gathering on National Panchayati Raj Day in Madhubani, Bihar, expressed the nation’s anguish and promised justice.
“On April 22, terrorists killed innocent people of the country in J-K’s Pahalgam… The country is in mourning and in pain following this incident,” said the Prime Minister.
“India will identify, track and punish every terrorist, their handlers and their backers. We will pursue them to the end of the earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished,” he said.
In an emotionally charged moment, PM Modi asked the gathering to observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims.
“Let us all stand together in this moment of grief and observe a one-minute silence… Om Shanti,” he said.
He further added with resolve: “I want to say in very clear words that these terrorists and those who conspired towards this attack will get a punishment bigger than they can imagine. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the back of the masters of terror.”
Global support for India
In the wake of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed the lives of several innocent civilians and left many injured, the international community has united in an extraordinary outpouring of grief and condemnation. Leaders from across the globe, cutting across political and ideological lines, have expressed solidarity with India, denounced the violence in unequivocal terms, and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
From the United States to the European Union, and from Israel to the Gulf nations, the message was clear: the world stands with India in its fight against terrorism.
As India begins to take decisive diplomatic and strategic steps in response to the atrocity, the overwhelming global support shows the growing consensus against terrorism in all its forms.
Israel
Extending Israel’s support for India in its fight against terrorism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the barbaric attack deeply saddened him
“My dear friend @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, that killed and injured dozens of innocents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism,” Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
United States
“Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies,” former US President Donald Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, “President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Modi and conveyed his strong condemnation of the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He said that India and the United States stand together in the fight against terror.”
“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. I spoke with Prime Minister Modi this morning and extended the sympathy of the American people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” US Vice President J.D. Vance posted on X.
France
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, calling it “heinous.”
“We share the profound sorrow of the victims’ families, to whom I extend my heartfelt condolences.”
United Kingdom
UK PM Keir Starmer said: “The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir was utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected and the people of India.”
Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin also condemned the terrorist attack. “The brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. Its perpetrators will face deserved punishment. Please convey sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased, and wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured,” Putin said in a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.
China
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said: “We mourn the victims and extend our sincere sympathies to the families… China strongly condemns this attack.”
Italy
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the attack during her call with PM Modi, expressing sorrow for the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. She reiterated Italy’s full support in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi thanked her for the call and appreciated Italy’s clear stance. Both leaders agreed to continue collaboration on international platforms to enhance global counter-terrorism efforts.
Jordan
King Abdullah II of Jordan also extended his condolences, calling the attack “ghastly” and the loss of innocent lives deeply tragic. He emphasised that terrorism must be rejected in all its forms and cannot be justified. PM Modi expressed gratitude for his solidarity and echoed the call for firm action against those responsible.
Germany
“We condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the people of India,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote on X.
Australia
In his message to India, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was shocked by the horrific attack and said there was no justification for the violence.
“I am shocked by the horrific terror attack on innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir overnight. There is no justification for this violence, and Australia condemns it. Our hearts go out to the injured, to those mourning loved ones, and to everyone in Australia touched by this terrible news,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
European Union
“I condemn today’s heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed many innocent lives. Our deep condolences go to the victims, their families and the people of India. The EU stands firm against terrorism,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas wrote on X.
“My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and every Indian heart grieving today. Yet I know that India’s spirit is unbreakable. You will stand strong in this ordeal. And Europe will stand with you,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
UAE
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law. The ministry extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Indian government and people, as well as to the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who hosted PM Modi just before he cut short his trip, expressed anguish and promised any assistance needed.
Iran
Tehran offered condolences: “We extend our heartfelt condolences… and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Nepal
“Deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Nepal stands firmly with India and strongly condemns any and all acts of terrorism. Close coordination is established to verify reports of a Nepali national among the victims and will provide all necessary assistance,” said Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
Mauritius
Former PM Pravind Jugnauth condemned the attack and posted: “My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved, the Indian Government and PM Shri Narendra Modi.”
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Sri Lanka stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to regional peace and security,” said the Foreign Ministry.
Denmark
PM Mette Frederiksen called it “terrible news” and said: “Denmark stands with India and strongly condemns all acts of terrorism.”
India takes strong measures
In light of the attack, India has launched a series of diplomatic and strategic retaliatory measures.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting that:
- Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect.
- Attari Integrated Checkpost will be closed indefinitely.
- SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme will be suspended for Pakistani nationals.
- Pakistani Defence Attachés in India declared persona non grata; to leave within a week.
- India’s own military attachés will be withdrawn from Islamabad.
As India mourns the loss of innocent lives in one of the most chilling attacks in Kashmir’s recent history, the message from New Delhi is clear: terror will not go unpunished. The global solidarity expressed only strengthens India’s hand as it begins what may become a significant geopolitical and counter-terror effort in the days to come.
