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Reactions to the 2025 Pahalgam attack

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On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in the Anantnag district of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir killed at least 26 tourists and injured more than 20 others. Reactions to the invasion have varied considerably, with the international community generally offering condolences for the victims of the attack.

Indian authorities accused Pakistan's government of complicity with Pakistan-based groups which conducted the attack, and vowed to destroy all elements associated with the terrorists.[1][2] Pakistan's government denied complicity or involvement in the attacks, and threatened interventions in response to potential escalations.[3][4]

India

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Protests were held in many parts of India condemning the attack.[2]

The attack drew immediate widespread condemnation from political leaders. Indian president Droupadi Murmu called it a "dastardly and inhuman act."[5] Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called the act "reprehensible" and condemned it.[5] Modi termed the attack as "shocking and painful" and said that those responsible would be brought to justice.[6]

Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah described the incident as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years."[7] Defence Minister Rajnath Singh labeled it an "act of cowardice."[5] The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the Indian government's policy on Kashmir in light of the attack but also extended support to the government to deal with the threat.[8][9] India blamed Pakistan-based groups, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed major border crossings like the Attari-Wagah crossing.

Pakistan

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Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims,[10] and its defence minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the allegations of his country's involvement in the attack and regarded such events as revolutions.[11][3] However, in an interview with the Sky News, while responding to allegations of terrorism, minister Asif said that Pakistan engaged in terrorist activities on the direction of US, Britain and the West since 3 decades.[12][13] Pakistan accused India of politicizing the incident, and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement and closing its airspace to Indian flights. It warned that interference with the Indus Treaty would be treated as an act of war.

On 24 April, Pakistan suspended visas issued to Indian nationals and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, expelled Indian diplomats and instructed Indian military advisers to depart the country no later than the 30 April.[14] However, the Kartarpur Corridor remained open for Sikh pilgrims.[15] Pakistan also cut off all trade with India.[1] Pakistan also suspended the Simla Agreement, on 24 April 2025 in retaliation.[4][16] The Attari–Wagah border ceremony was also reduced and the symbolic handshake did not take place.[17][18]

On 26 April, former Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a statement regarding India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring: "Either water will flow in this Indus, or their blood will."[19] Indian National Congress leader Udit Raj called for decisive action, stating it was "time to teach Pakistan a lesson" and advocating for the destruction of "all terrorist hideouts."[19] Protests took place outside the High Commission of Pakistan, London by the members of indian diaspora.[20][21]

Pakistani railways minister Hanif Abbasi has threatened a full-scale nuclear war against India. He also threatened to launch the nuclear warheads named Ghori & Ghaznavi (named after 2 prominent Muslim conquerors of India - Muhammad of Ghor & Mahmud Sabuktegin respectively, despised by Hindus for their religiously motivated campaigns.)[a][22]

International

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  •  Afghanistan: The Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan issued a statement that "categorically condemns" the attack, offered condolences to the victims, and said that "such incidents undermine efforts to ensure regional security and stability".[23][10]
  •  Argentina: The ambassador of Argentina Mariano Caucino said "Argentina stands with India in rejecting all forms of terrorism, extremism, and bigotry. Always with Life and against Terror" he also condoled the victims of the attack.[24]
  •  Armenia: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan offered his condolences.[25]
  •  Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an "act of senseless violence" and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.[26]
  •  Bangladesh: Interim Government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed his condolences for the victims and reaffirmed Bangladesh's stance against terrorism.[27]
  •  Bhutan: Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay condemned the attack as a "horrific terrorist attack" and conveyed his condolences.[28]
  •  Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack as "a senseless and shocking act of violence," and offered his condolences.[29]
  •  China: The Foreign Ministry offered its "sincere sympathies" to the families of the victims. Additionally, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong condemned the attack on social media.[30]
  •  Cyprus: The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condolences and condemned the attack.[31][32]
  •  Denmark: Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed its condolences and condemned the attack.[33]
  •  Estonia: Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna offered his condolences and condemned the attack.[31]
  •  France: President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and the ambassador of France to India stated that France would stand in solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.[34][35]
  •  Germany: Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly condemned the attack and offered his condolences to the victims.[34]
  •  Guyana: Prime Minister Irfaan Ali condemned the attack as a “heinous act of violence” and extended condolences to the victims' families. He emphasized the need for peace and expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.[36]
  •  Indonesia: Indonesian Foreign Ministry expressed “strongest condemnations” for the attack on civilians, while also tweeted condolences to the victims and injured of the attacks.[37][38]
  •  Iran: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the attack a "heinous terrorist crime" that "contradicts all human rights norms."[39] The Government of Iran extended condolences to the people and the Government of India.[40] On April 25, Iran proposed to mediate a solution aiming at de-escalation between Pakistan and India.[41]
  •  Israel: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and extended condolences to the victims and their families.[42] Ambassador of Israel to India Reuven Azar also issued condolences and stated "our support is for the security forces in their struggle against terror".[43]
  •  Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sorrow over the attack, conveying condolences via social media. She stated that Italy sends its sympathies to the affected families, the injured, the Indian government, and the people of India.[44]
  •  Japan: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba offered his condolences and condemned the attack by stating "terrorism cannot be justified for any reason".[45][46]
  •  Maldives: President Mohamed Muizzu expressed his condolences and sympathy and condemned the attack.[47]
  •    Nepal: Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli expressed solidarity with India.[48] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a "barbaric terrorist act" and extended condolences to the victims' families, reaffirming its position against terrorism in all forms.[49][50]
  •  Pakistan: Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.[10] Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed allegations of Pakistan's involvement in the attack and stated that "Pakistan has no connection with this. This is all home-grown, there are revolutions in different so-called states against India, not one, not two, but dozens, from Nagaland to Kashmir, in the south, in Chattisgarh, in Manipur. In all these places, there are revolutions against the Indian government."[51][52][53][54]
  •  Palestine: President Mahmoud Abbas "strongly condemned" the attack, stating it as a "heinous act" that resulted in the loss of many civilian lives. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abbas conveyed Palestine's support for India's security and stability, stating, "We pray for mercy and peace for the departed, a swift recovery for the injured, and continued prosperity and well-being for India and its people."[55][56]
  •  Russia: President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack in Kashmir, stating that "this brutal crime has no justification whatsoever." A subsequent statement from the Kremlin reaffirmed Russia's commitment to cooperate with India in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and extended sympathies to all those affected.[57] On 23 April 2025, Russia issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens against traveling to Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The advisory cited increased security risks in the region. The United Kingdom also issued a similar warning around the same time.[58]
  •  Saudi Arabia: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "strongly condemned" the attack. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's solidarity with India during this time of grief, emphasizing support for the country and its people.[59]
  •  Singapore: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country condemned the attack.[60]
  •  South Africa: The South African government condemned the attack and offered condolences to victims.[61]
  •  Sri Lanka: The Foreign Ministry condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" and offered condolences. It also reiterated its commitment to regional peace and security.[62]
  •  UAE: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly condemning the attack and expressed condolences to the government and people of India, as did the ambassador.[63][64]
  •  United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered his condolences.[35]
  •  United States: President Donald Trump described the incident as "deeply disturbing" and extended condolences to the victims. On social media, he reaffirmed support for India, stating that the U.S. stands with India against terrorism and expressing solidarity with Modi and the people of India. Vice President JD Vance, who was on a visit to India with his wife Usha Vance, also condemned the attack.[65][35]


Organizations

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Media coverage

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National media

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India's pro government right-wing media outlets have reportedly indulged in propagating Islamophobic narratives while covering this event, linking it to previous communal tensions like the Nagpur riots & Murshidabad riots. Arnab Goswami demanded a 'Final Solution' like treatment of Pakistanis & Indian Muslims as revenge of this incident on live air.[68][69]

International media

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The Hindu American Foundation has accused several Western media outlets like BBC, New York Times, Washington Post, CNN & Reuters of whitewashing the incident by gaslighting the religious targeting of civilians & refusal to refer the perpetrators as 'terrorists', instead calling them as 'gunmen' and doing propaganda work for Pakistan by overemphasizing Pakistan's denial of financing anti-Indian terrorist activities & portraying the Indian stance as warmongering due to political correctness.[70] The New York Times, which has a reputation of fostering anti-Indian sentiments, was criticised by the US Foreign Affairs Committee for its refusal to acknowledge the incident as a terrorist activity.[71] Dicussing the Western coverage of the incident, the Times of India states

When Hindus are killed, the story must always be reframed - not as religious persecution or ideological terror, but as a part of some nebulous, ongoing "tension",..

The victim's are quietly transformed into faceless statistics, stripped of religion, identity and dignity; the perpetrators are softly described as "unknown assailants" or "radicals with grievances", and terrorism itself is neutered into a regrettable but unavoidable "incident"..... it is bias - deliberate and sustained - the kind that recasts murderers into misunderstood actors in a conflict too complex for moral clarity, and victim's into inconvenient footnotes.

In the global newsroom's carefully maintained hierarchy of grief, Hindu lives occupy a peculiar space : simultaneously too privileged to be mourned and too politically awkward to be acknowledged.

If 26 Jews had been murdered in Paris or 26 Christians had been slaughtered on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka or 26 LGBTQ club-goers had been gunned down in Orlando, there would have been no hesitation in calling it terrorism; the candles would have been lit, the headlines would have screamed, and the op-eds would have poured in, demanding justice, vengeance and global soul-searching....

But when Hindus are massacred, they are quietly demoted to statistics; they are flattened into "tensions", buried under euphemisms, and met with the kind of silence that speaks louder than any headline.

— The Times of India, [72]

Notes

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  1. ^ See Ghaznavid campaigns in India & Ghurid campaigns in India

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Pakistan suspends trade and closes border with India over Kashmir tensions". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b Hassan, Aakash; Beaumont, Peter (22 April 2025). "At least 26 tourists killed by suspected militants in Kashmir attack". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  3. ^ a b "Pahalgam massacre: In first reaction, Pakistan defends terrorism in Kashmir, says 'locals acting against govt". Firstpost. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Pakistan suspends 1972 Simla Agreement, shuts airspace to Indian airlines". The Economic Times. 24 April 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b c "President Murmu, VP Dhankhar, PM Modi term Pahalgam terror attack shocking, painful". All India Radio. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Prime Minister strongly condemns the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir". Press Information Bureau. 22 April 2025. Archived from the original on 22 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Pahalgam terrorist attack 'much larger than anything seen directed at civilians in recent years': J&K CM Omar Abdullah". The Hindu. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Full support: Opposition backs government's action on Pahalgam terror attack". India Today. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  9. ^ "'Act of war': What happened in Kashmir attack that killed 26 tourists?". Al Jazeera. 23 April 2025. Archived from the original on 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  10. ^ a b c "Afghan Taliban Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Says It Undermines Regional Security". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  11. ^ "Pakistans 1st reaction To Pahalgam terror attack, says nothing to do with It". The Tribune. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Pakistan-West Ties: Pak Defence Minister Admits to Backing Terror for 3 Decades". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  13. ^ "Been doing US's dirty work…: On live TV, Pak minister's big admission on terror". India Today. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  14. ^ "Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists". BBC. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  15. ^ "Kartarpur Corridor open for visiting gurdwara in Pakistan despite freeze in ties". 24 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  16. ^ "Pakistan shuts Wagah border, suspends Simla Accord, expels Indians". www.samaa.tv. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  17. ^ "No handshake, gate opening at Attari border during beating retreat ceremony". India Today. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  18. ^ "Pahalgam terror attack: BSF scales down Beating Retreat ceremony; handshake with Pak. soldiers suspended". The Hindu. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025 – via www.thehindu.com.
  19. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. ^ "Pahalgam attack: Indians in UK protest outside Pak High Commission in London". India Today. 26 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  21. ^ "Indian community protests outside Pakistan High Commission in London over Pahalgam attack". The Tribune. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  22. ^ "130 nukes aimed at you: Pak minister's open threat to India as tensions flare". India Today. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  23. ^ "Taliban Condemns Pahalgam Attack: 'Such Incidents Undermine Efforts To Ensure Regional Security'". News18. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  24. ^ "'Sad and appalled': Israel, Argentina send out 'stand with India' message after Pahalgam terror attack". Firstpost. 22 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  25. ^ "Armenian PM offers condolences over deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir". Public Radio of Armenia. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  26. ^ ""Those responsible must be held to account": Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Pahalgam terror attack". ANI News. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  27. ^ "Chief adviser condemns Kashmir attack". The Daily Star. 23 April 2025.
  28. ^ "India's neighboors condemn Pahalgm attack -". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  29. ^ "Canadian PM, Oppn leader condemn terror attack on civilians in Kashmir". hindustantimes.com. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  30. ^ "China Condemns Pahalgam Attack That Killed 26, Offers "Sincere Sympathies"". NDTV. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  31. ^ a b "Condolences pour in from world leaders as India mourns Pahalgam terror attack". The Economic Times. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  32. ^ "Cyprus "unequivocally Condemns" The Terrorist Attack That Left At Least 27 Dead In Jammu And Kashmir". 23 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  33. ^ ""Barbaric": From France, Italy To China- World Leaders Condemn J&K Attack". NDTV. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  34. ^ a b "Jammu and Kashmir Pahalgam Terror Attack LIVE updates: Nirmala Sitharaman cuts short US, Peru visit to return to India after Pahalgam terror attack". The Times of India. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  35. ^ a b c "From Trump to Meloni, how world leaders reacted to 'heinous' Pahalgam terror attack". Hindustan Times. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  36. ^ "J&K Pahalgam terror attack: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Keir Starmer and other world leaders condemn 'heinous' ambush". The Times of India. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0971-8257.
  37. ^ Salsabila, Farah (23 April 2025). "Indonesia Strongly Condemns Deadly Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir". MINA News Agency.
  38. ^ @Kemlu_RI (23 April 2025). "Indonesia strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack against civilians in Pahalgam. Such heinous crime is unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever committed. #IndonesianWay" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Danish Manzoor Bhat (22 April 2025). "Kashmir massacre: Trump, Putin, Iran, Israel condemn Hindu tourist attack". Newsweek.
  40. ^ "How World Reacted To Terror Attack In Kashmir That Left 26 Dead". NDTV. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  41. ^ "Iran offers to play mediator between India, Pak as ties nosedive after J&K attack". India Today. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  42. ^ "Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism: Netanyahu after terror attack in Pahalgam". The Economic Times. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0013-0389.
  43. ^ "Appalled Israeli envoy Reuven Azar on Pahalgam terror attack". The Week. PTI. 22 April 2025.
  44. ^ Hari, Ravi (23 April 2025). "Italy PM Giorgia Meloni expresses solidarity with India after horrific Pahalgam terror attack claims 26 lives". Mint (newspaper). Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  45. ^ "Message of condolences from Prime Minister Ishiba following the terrorist attack in Kashmir". Prime Minister's Office of Japan. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  46. ^ "Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba condemns terrorist attack in Kashmir, says "terrorism cannot be justified for any reason"". ThePrint. ANI. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  47. ^ "Maldives president condemns India terror attack". Atoll Times. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  48. ^ "Global Leaders Condemn Vile Pahalgam Terror Attack". Devdiscourse. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  49. ^ "Nepal condemns "barbaric terrorist attack" in J-K, affirms solidarity with India". KalingaTV. ANI. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  50. ^ "Nepal condemns terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  51. ^ "Pakistans 1st reaction To Pahalgam terror attack, says nothing to do with It". The Tribune. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  52. ^ "Pahalgam massacre: In first reaction, Pakistan defends terrorism in Kashmir, says 'locals acting against govt". Firstpost. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  53. ^ "Pahalgam attack: Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif blames India's "homegrown terrorists", denies involvement". The Economic Times. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  54. ^ "'Don't blame us': In first reaction, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif denies role in Pahalgam terror attack; Watch". The Times of India. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0971-8257.
  55. ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  56. ^ "Palestine condemns Pahalgam terror attack, President Abbas 'affirms' support for India in letter to PM Modi". India TV News. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  57. ^ "'Brutal crime': Putin condemns Pahalgam attack, reaffirms support to India in 'fighting terrorism'". The Indian Express. 22 April 2025.
  58. ^ "Pahalgam attack: UK, Russia issue travel advisories for Pakistan". The Express Tribune. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  59. ^ Beri, Navya (23 April 2025). "India, Saudi Arabia joint statement 'strongly condemn' gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam". Wion.
  60. ^ "Terrorist Attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025". www.mfa.gov.sg. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  61. ^ "SA government condemns attack on tourists in India". SABC News Channel. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  62. ^ "Sri Lankan President condemns Pahalgam terror attack". All India Radio. 23 April 2025.
  63. ^ "UAE Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack on Tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir". www.mofa.gov.ae. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  64. ^ "Saudi Arabia, UAE condemn Pahalgam terror attack; reaffirms support to India". Moneycontrol. 23 April 2025.
  65. ^ Yeung, Jessie (22 April 2025). "Dozens killed as gunmen massacre tourists in Kashmir beauty spot". CNN.
  66. ^ "Guterres condemns deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir". UN News. 22 April 2025.
  67. ^ "Pahalgam massacre: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the terror attack". The Hindu. PTI. 23 April 2025. ISSN 0971-751X.
  68. ^ Team, N. L. (27 April 2025). "TV Newsance 296: How Arnab & Co. deflected accountability in Pahalgam terror attack coverage". Newslaundry. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  69. ^ newslaundry (26 April 2025). Pahalgam Terror Attack: How Arnab & Co. Deflected Accountability | TV Newsance 296. Retrieved 27 April 2025 – via YouTube.
  70. ^ "Pahalgam terror attack: Hindu America Foundation slams Western media for 'whitewashing terror attack' on Hindus". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  71. ^ "Hey New York Times, 'This was a TERRORIST ATTACK plain and simple': US government's Foreign Affairs Committee corrects NYT on Pahalgam attack". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  72. ^ "Pahalgam Terror Attack:Why Western media loves to call terrorists 'gunmen'". The Times of India.
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