Pahalgam Terror Attack: Trump, Starmer, Netanyahu, and other global leaders condemn 'barbaric' attack, offer condolences

In the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 tourists, world leaders have expressed shock and solidarity with India. The incident is the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike.

Global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, strongly condemned the attack and extended their condolences to the victims’ families.

According to officials and eyewitnesses, armed terrorists entered the grassland—popularly known as 'mini Switzerland'—and opened fire on tourists who were picnicking, taking pony rides, or visiting local eateries.

Also Read: J&K Terror Attack: PM Narendra Modi concludes Saudi Arabia visit earlier after Pahalgam incident

Trump strongly denounced the attack during a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, assuring full support in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on X, Trump “conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.”

President Donald Trump @realDonaldTrump @POTUS called PM @narendramodi and conveyed his deepest condolences at the loss of innocent lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack and expressed full support to India to bring…

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2025

Trump further emphasised on social media:  "Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. 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. Our hearts are with you all!"

US Vice President JD Vance, currently visiting India, also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, saying:  “Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. 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 as they mourn this horrific attack.”

Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. 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 as they mourn this horrific attack. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A

— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025

Taking to his official handle on X, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a 'barbaric terrorist attack' that killed and injured dozens of innocents. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims & their families. Israel stands with India in its fight against terrorism," he added.

Also Read:Pahalgam Terror Attack: At least 20 feared killed, several others injured as militants open fire at tourists; PM Modi condemns cowardly act 

World leaders echoed similar sentiments. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared she was "deeply saddened" and stood in solidarity with India. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “utterly devastating.”

Profondamente addolorata per l’attacco terroristico avvenuto oggi in India, che ha causato numerose vittime. L’Italia esprime vicinanza alle famiglie colpite, ai feriti, al Governo e a tutto il popolo indiano.

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 22, 2025

Nepal issued a strong condemnation, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.  In a statement on X, the Nepalese Foreign Ministry wrote:  "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and express our sincere wishes for the swift and full recovery of those injured. In line with our firm and principled position, Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot and should not be justified on any ground."

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba added:  "We strongly condemn this act of terrorism and the senseless violence that has claimed innocent lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we wish a swift and full recovery to those who have been injured. Nepal stands in steadfast solidarity with the Government and people of India in this time of sorrow."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the attack as unjustifiable:  "I am shocked by the horrific terror attack on innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir overnight. There is no justification for this violence, and Australia condemns it. Our hearts go out to the injured, to those mourning loved ones, and to everyone in Australia touched by this terrible news."

UK PM Starmer reiterated:  "The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir is utterly devastating. My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India."

The horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir today is utterly devastating.

My thoughts are with those affected, their loved ones, and the people of India.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 22, 2025

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her grief:  "The vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to PM Narendra Modi and every Indian heart grieving today. Yet I know that India's spirit is unbreakable. You will stand strong in this ordeal. And Europe will stand with you."

EU Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, emphasised the EU’s stance against terrorism:  "Deeply shocked & saddened by the despicable Pahalgam terrorist attack against innocent tourists. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims & best wishes of recovery to those injured. The EU stands against all forms of terrorism."

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, shared:  "I offer my deepest condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam today. Japan strongly condemns any and all acts of terrorism. We stand firmly with India."

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined the chorus of condemnation:  "Deeply saddened by the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. Armenia strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friendly people of India."