A wave of global condemnation has followed the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where at least 26 people—mostly tourists—were gunned down in a shocking act of violence that has gripped the nation and alarmed the international community.
The incident occurred in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, often referred to as “mini Switzerland” for its alpine beauty, where militants opened indiscriminate fire using automatic weapons. The attack marks the deadliest strike on civilians in Kashmir since the Pulwama bombing in 2019.
Amid growing pressure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly considering cutting short his ongoing diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, though no official confirmation has been issued.
A high-level emergency meeting was held in Srinagar on Thursday, where Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Raj Bhavan. Senior military, intelligence, and administrative officials reviewed the evolving security situation and possible responses.
Leaders from across the globe swiftly expressed solidarity with India.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to issue a message of support. In a statement from the Kremlin, Putin called the attack “barbaric and unforgivable” and reaffirmed Russia’s “strong stance against terrorism in all forms.” He added, “India has always stood resilient in the face of terror. Russia stands shoulder to shoulder with its strategic partner in ensuring peace and justice.”
US Vice President JD Vance, currently on a private visit to India, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Usha and I extend our deepest condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. We’ve been touched by the warmth of this country, and our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families.”
Ukraine’s embassy in New Delhi also condemned the attack, drawing parallels with its own struggles with terrorism and violence:
“We endure such pain daily and firmly stand against terrorism in all forms. The murder of innocents is intolerable.”
Victims from multiple Indian states have been identified. Among them was Prashant Satpathy from Balasore, Odisha, who was shot dead while walking with his wife and son. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi assured state support and aid to the bereaved family.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the loss of two lives from the state and condemned the attack as an attempt to derail Kashmir’s peace process. In Pune, two tourists were wounded, prompting NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule to call for immediate medical assistance.
States including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal confirmed that their citizens were either injured or caught in the chaos. Chief Ministers from each state have spoken out in condemnation and are coordinating with local authorities to aid the affected families.
Politically, the incident has triggered sharp reactions. The Congress Party called for an all-party meeting to devise a unified national response to terrorism. Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s claims of normalcy in Kashmir, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra termed the attack “a crime against humanity.” Shashi Tharoor, speaking from Lakshadweep, said, “This heinous crime is not just an assault on India but a betrayal of Kashmir’s longing for peace.”
As the Union Home Minister arrived in Srinagar, security forces began intensified search operations to locate the attackers, who are believed to be two to three militants that infiltrated the area from nearby forests. Intelligence agencies have been tasked with probing the origins of the assault and tracking cross-border links.
Tourist hubs across the Kashmir Valley are now under heightened security as India mourns yet another tragedy—and the world watches closely.
