A wave of international outrage and solidarity swept across the globe following the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The attack, which claimed the lives of 28 people, most of them tourists, and left at least 20 injured, has drawn sharp condemnation from world leaders and renewed calls for unified global action against terrorism.
The assault, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), occurred in the scenic meadow of Pahalgam, turning a peaceful tourist destination into the site of a brutal massacre.
United States: Unwavering Support for India
US President Donald Trump expressed deep anguish over the incident on his platform, Truth Social. Calling the news “deeply disturbing,” he affirmed full support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people.
“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 Modi and the incredible people of India have our full support and deepest sympathies,” Trump said.
US Vice President JD Vance, who is currently in India on an official visit, also conveyed heartfelt condolences. In a post on X, he wrote:
“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. 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.”
The US State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also strongly condemned the attack. The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation.
Russia: Strong Denunciation and Call for Justice
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a “brutal crime without justification.” In a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, Putin extended his condolences to the families of the victims and underscored Russia’s commitment to combating terrorism in all forms.
“We expect that its organizers and perpetrators will face deserved punishment,” said Putin, reaffirming Russia’s cooperation with India in counter-terrorism efforts.
The Russian Embassy echoed this sentiment, expressing solidarity with India during this time of grief.
Middle East: Widespread Support from Allies
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a strong condemnation through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denouncing the attack as a criminal act and reaffirming its rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism. The statement also conveyed condolences to the Indian government and the victims’ families.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke out against the attack:
“I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ambassador Reuven Azar similarly denounced the violence in strong terms.
In Jeddah, Prime Minister Modi met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, who condemned the attack and discussed initiatives to promote tolerance and harmony, including the proposal for a Diversity and Harmony Summit in India.
Europe and Neighbors: Shared Grief and Condemnation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the attack as deeply saddening and expressed Italy’s full support to India. France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, reiterated France’s solidarity on X, and Iran’s embassy also extended condolences and prayers for the injured.
From South Asia, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, reaffirming its support for regional peace and its solidarity with India. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the incident “barbaric” and expressed condolences, while Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba confirmed that investigations are ongoing regarding reports of Nepali nationals among the victims.
Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, described the incident as “reprehensible,” offering support to the families affected.
India Responds: United in Grief, Resolute in Action
In the immediate aftermath, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting in Srinagar. Joined by Prime Minister Modi via briefing, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the officials reviewed the situation and pledged swift action against the perpetrators.
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, Anantnag, while candlelight marches were held across Sopore, Ganderbal, Handwara, and Bandipora, as local communities united in defiance of terrorism.
The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps described the violence as “senseless” and confirmed that joint forces are overseeing operations, with medical teams deployed for rapid casualty evacuation.
Leadership Returns Home Amid Crisis
In light of the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia, skipping an official dinner and returning to India early Wednesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also ended her official engagements in the United States and Peru to return home.
Despite the tragic interruption, the second India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting was successfully held, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was formally invited to India for the next session.
As the world unites in condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, the message is clear: the international community stands with India. In a moment of immense sorrow, global voices have echoed a common resolve to confront terror with strength, unity, and unrelenting justice.
