Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and offering full support to India in its fight against terrorism. The call comes just days after Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif suggested that countries like Russia, China, or Western nations should play a role in investigating the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Putin backs India, condemns attack
The Kremlin stated that President Putin extended his condolences and emphasized that the perpetrators and their supporters must be brought to justice. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also confirmed the call, adding that Putin had accepted an invitation to visit India for the upcoming Annual Summit.
“President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam. He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
Russia reaffirms strong India ties amid Pakistani overtures
Putin’s call and strong backing hold significance as it follows Pakistan’s public call for an international investigation. Speaking to Russian state agency RIA Novosti, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Russia, China, or Western countries could help form an international probe panel. “Let an international team find out whether India or Modi is lying or telling the truth,” he said, even suggesting that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supports this approach.
Background and implications
The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based proxy of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba group, has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The suggestion from Islamabad for third-party involvement has been viewed in New Delhi as a deflection tactic. India has consistently held Pakistan responsible for providing safe havens and support to terror outfits.
Putin’s clear alignment with India not only reaffirms the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations but also signals Moscow’s rejection of Pakistan’s attempt to internationalise the probe. With India and Russia deepening their bilateral relations — including energy, defence, and geopolitical cooperation — this move underscores Russia’s continued backing for India on global counter-terrorism platforms.
