What happened?
Russian President Vladimir Putin telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 5, 2025, to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam which killed 26 civilians. According to external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, President Putin conveyed condolences, expressed full support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, and stressed the need to bring perpetrators and supporters to justice. Both leaders reaffirmed the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi invited President Putin for the annual India-Russia Summit later in the year. The attack was also discussed in a call between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where Minister Jaishankar reiterated India’s determination to seek justice.
Why it matters to India
Russia’s explicit support and condemnation of the attack, particularly the call for punishing perpetrators and sponsors, reinforces diplomatic backing for India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. The reaffirmation of the strategic partnership during this period of heightened regional tension underscores the continued importance of the India-Russia relationship for India’s foreign policy and security considerations. President Putin’s call adds weight to the international pressure regarding the attack’s origins.
