West Asian Leaders and Organisations Condemn Terrorist Attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

May 20, 2025
Posted by: Anil Trigunayat
Categories: India, Jammu & Kashmir, Kashmir

Adversity often becomes a litmus test for friends. It is also not untrue of diplomacy. For decades, India’s relationship with most West Asian countries has been transactional and only recently due to strategic and increasing importance of India and realization of the futility of continuation of support to their OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) partner using terrorism as a tool of foreign policy against India and others has become a reality. Parroting the Islamic brotherhood has run its course. Pakistan used to be a factor and in their relationship with India often was predicated on it. This was evident during the terror attacks in Pulwama and India’s Balakot response as well at the time of abrogation of Art 370 in J&K. Several countries especially the regional majors like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Israel were the first ones to condemn the heinous and dastardly and cowardly attacks by the Pak based terror group TRF (The Resistance Front), which initially claimed responsibility and then tried to backtrack. But foot prints of Rawalpindi and LeT (Lashkar e Tayyeba) are unmistakable. Diplomatic response has been given by way of punitive measures against the terror sponsor and perpetrating state.

Broader escalation and focussed and targeted elimination of threats are likely scenarios as the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to identify, track, and punish every terrorist, and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the earth. At his Mann ki Baat he reiterated “I once again assure the victim families that they will get justice. Justice will definitely be served. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will face the harshest response,”

The brutal terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians and left many injured, has drawn widespread condemnation from across the West Asian region and the world. Leaders, ministries, and international Islamic organisations have denounced the attack and expressed deep solidarity with India, tweeting condolences and solidarity while reaffirming their commitment to the global fight against terrorism. Even the Taliban offered condolences and condemned the attacks against innocent Indian tourists who were targeted ion account of their religion.

Several leaders called PM Modi including the Iranian President Dr Pezeshkian, who after talking to Pakistan PM Sharif also offered to mediate to deescalate. Presidents of UAE, Egypt and Jordan, Palestine and others called PM Modi to express their solidarity. Several Foreign Ministers also spoke to Dr Jaishankar expressing their sympathy and condolences and resolve to fight the menace of terrorism while hoping to deescalate the imminent war between India and Pakistan. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was categorical in his unstinted support to India in her decision to deal with this menace as it deems appropriate. Even Türkiye’s President Erdogan, during his press conference with Sharif, did not take a bait and avoided direct reference to Kashmir but condemned terrorism. Later, the Foreign Office also issued a statement expressing condolences to families of those who lost their lives and wished speedy recovery to the injured. They condemned the heinous attacks.

PM Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia and had to cut short the visit to take stock of these horrific developments. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the terror attacks in no uncertain terms. The US Vice President JD Vance was also in India. India’s resolve to give a decisive response to the terrorists, who will be hunted and justice served, and their sponsors will be punished- has caused a deep concern among the regional countries who would try to contain the military escalation.

Muslim World League: A Unified Voice Against Terrorism

During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah on April 22, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the strongest terms. Calling the incident a heinous act of violence, Dr. Al-Issa offered heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and assured India of the MWL’s solidarity in combating terrorism.

This engagement also saw discussions around promoting interfaith harmony, with plans to organise a “Summit of Diversity and Harmony” in India, reaffirming MWL’s role in fostering global tolerance and peace. They also issued a detailed statement.

Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Ally’s Support

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman joined the international chorus condemning the terrorist attack and offered condolences to India. In a reaffirmation of their shared vision, Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince pledged unwavering resolve to fight terrorism. Both leaders reviewed the deepening bilateral ties under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, highlighting ongoing trust and cooperation across sectors.

Turkey: A Message of Peace and Unity

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in Pahalgam. Terming the attack “heinous,” the ministry extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery. Turkey’s message highlighted its regional commitment to peace and its rejection of terrorism in all forms. Turkey has officially confirmed that it has not sent any aircrafts with munitions/arms to Pakistan.

Palestine: Expressing Brotherhood and Sympathy

President Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine sent a message to Prime Minister Modi, expressing heartfelt condolences and describing the attack as a “heinous act.” He reaffirmed Palestine’s solidarity with India in its fight against extremism and underscored the shared values of peace and security.

UAE: Reaffirming Commitment Against Terrorism

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation condemned the Pahalgam attack, reiterating the UAE’s firm stance against terrorism in all its manifestations. The ministry expressed support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts and conveyed sympathies to the victims’ families.

Oman: In Solidarity with India

The Sultanate of Oman, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also denounced the attack and extended condolences to the victims. Oman reaffirmed its solidarity with India, calling for continued regional unity in addressing security threats.

Iran: Standing Against Extremism

The Iranian government, including Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. Tehran emphasised the need for enhanced international cooperation in fighting the scourge of terrorism and offered condolences to the grieving families with FM Araghchi calling up EAM Dr Jaishankar as his President Spoke to PM Modi and offered to mediate between their brothers.

Iraq

Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the heinous attacks and affirmed its full solidarity with India during this difficult time while reiterating Iraq’s unwavering stance in rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism regardless of motive or justification
State of Kuwait also condemned and enounced the terror attack in the strongest terms.

Qatar: Voice Against Violence

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist attack and reaffirmed its rejection of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives. The statement conveyed deep sympathy to the Indian people and underscored the need for global unity against radicalism.
Egypt: In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs on Wednesday, Egypt extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, as well as victims’ families, wishing the wounded speedy recovery. Egypt emphasized its full solidarity with India in the face of all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten the country’s security and stability. President Sisi also spoke to PM Modi.
Israel: PM Netanyahu, fighting against terrorism himself tweeted and “My dear friend @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, 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 also spoke to PM Modi.
Lebanon: Foreign Ministry strongly condemned “this criminal act that targeted innocent people,” and offered “its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, the Indian government, and the friendly Indian people”. The Foreign Ministry also renewed “Lebanon’s full solidarity with India and its support in these difficult circumstances.” It affirmed once again, “Lebanon’s support for the international community in its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism and dry up their sources of funding.”

Tunisia: A Call for Collective Action

Tunisia’s government condemned the act of terror and expressed its sorrow for the loss of innocent lives. The Tunisian statement stressed the importance of a united international front to eliminate terrorism and ensure lasting peace.

Jordan: A Clear Stand for Peace

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, through its spokesperson, Ambassador Dr. Sufyan Al-Qudah, issued a strong condemnation and expressed solidarity with India. The ministry emphasised the rejection of all forms of violence and called for a collective stand to safeguard peace and security. King Abdullah II also spoke to PM Modi.

UNSC: UNSC, in which Pakistan is currently the non-permanent member, strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on that killed at least 26 tourists and left many more injured, calling for accountability and international cooperation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Under pressure from its partners and seeing the writing on the wall, Islamabad is ranting about a neutral and transparent investigation into the attacks, forgetting about all the evidence provided for their complicity in acts of terror for the last four decades including 26/11 attacks. World can not be fooled all the time.

Media and Civil Society: Broader Regional Reflections

Prominent West Asian media outlets, such as El-Jazair Daily, spotlighted the broader geopolitical implications of the attack, warning against reactionary escalations. Civil society voices across the Gulf and Levant echoed these sentiments, advocating for:

Deeper interfaith dialogue;
Addressing socioeconomic roots of radicalisation;
Strengthening global mechanisms to disrupt terror financing and recruitment networks.

The outpouring of condemnation and support from West Asia following the Pahalgam attack reflects a shared global sentiment: terrorism has no religion, no justification, and no future. The strong and unified statements from governments, religious leaders, and civil society across the region underscore the urgent need for international cooperation, resilience, and a collective commitment to building a more peaceful and secure world.
In these responses and engagements which are still flowing in it is clearly evident that Islamabad’s adherence to cross border terrorism against India will cost them whatever little friendship and support is left in West Asia for their inhuman misdeeds.