New Delhi: 23th April: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his condolences and sympathies to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday over a deadly shooting attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Earlier, the two leaders held an official session of talks, Saudi Press Agency reported. Mohammed bin Salman and Modi also chaired the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.
Modi left Jeddah on Tuesday evening after the news broke about the terrorist attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries of innocent people.
The Prime Minister invited the Crown Prince to India for the next round of the Council’s meeting.
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.
UAE strongly condemns attack
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, reported the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses 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 expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes of a speedy recovery for all the injured.
President Trump, VP Vance, Rubio extend support
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.
Putin’s condolences to Murmu, Modi
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.
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.
with Krishna Kumar NP
(With DD News & ANI)
