New Delhi/Moscow– Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to express his strong condemnation of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. During the call, Putin offered Russia’s “full support” to India in its ongoing and “uncompromising” battle against terrorism.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Putin conveyed his deepest condolences for the lives lost in the attack and emphasized the need to bring the perpetrators and their supporters to justice. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the long-standing India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to Putin ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, commemorating the end of World War II in Russia, and invited the Russian President to visit India for the Annual Summit later this year.
The April 22 massacre, which took place in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, saw four heavily armed terrorists, including two identified as Pakistani nationals, ambush a group of tourists, opening indiscriminate fire. The attack is being described as one of the most brutal in recent memory in the region.
The Kremlin also released a statement following the call, reiterating Russia’s condolences and voicing solidarity with India. “The need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all forms was emphasized,” the Russian government stated. It also stressed that the India-Russia strategic partnership remains resilient and continues to grow, unaffected by external pressures.
While Putin accepted Modi’s invitation to the Annual Summit in India, the Prime Minister will not attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. However, an Indian representative will participate in the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War. Putin had previously extended condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Modi, calling the Pahalgam attack a “brutal crime with no justification.”
In a separate diplomatic engagement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 2 to discuss the rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the terror attack. Lavrov emphasized resolving issues through bilateral dialogue in accordance with the Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration.
Jaishankar later posted on social media: “Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with FM Lavrov of Russia yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. Also spoke about our bilateral cooperation activities.”
The upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia from May 7 to 10 and his participation in Victory Day celebrations adds to the significance of the timing of Putin’s call to Modi. Both leaders appear committed to maintaining the strategic momentum in India-Russia relations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
President Putin’s next visit to India is expected in early 2025 as part of the countries’ ongoing annual summit tradition. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov had earlier confirmed the visit, stating, “Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn.”
Putin last visited India on December 6, 2021, for the 21st Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi reciprocated with two visits to Russia in 2024, attending the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October. (Source: IANS)
