Russia, Japan condemn Pahalgam terror attack, support India’s fight against terrorism

New Delhi, May 5:

New Delhi, May 5: Russia and Japan assured India of their support against its battle against terrorism that India has pursued after the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir. The United Nations Secretary General , António Guterres, while condemning the Pahalgam Terror attack asked India and Pakistan to observe restrain as ‘military solution is no answer’.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which he strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and stressed that its perpetrators and backers must be brought to justice.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X, said that PM Modi conveyed greetings to President Putin on the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day celebrations and invited him to India for the Annual Summit meeting.

“President Putin @KremlinRussia_E called PM @narendramodi and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India.

“He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism.

“He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice.

“Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

“PM conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year.”

A Russian readout said that President Putin had a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Vladimir Putin once again expressed his sincere condolences over the death of Indian citizens as a result of the barbaric terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam in southern Kashmir. Both sides emphasised the need for an uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations.

“During the conversation, the strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations as a special privileged partnership was emphasised. These relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all areas.

Significantly, the talks between the two leaders also come ahead of Monday’s UNSC closed door meeting requested by Pakistan. Russia is a permanent member of the UNSC.

In another development, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hosted his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani for wide-ranging talks touching upon the scourge of terrorism and ways to expand bilateral defence ties in the wake of China’s military posturing in the Indo-Pacific.

Gen Nakatani, whose visit to India comes amid its heightened tensions with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, condemned the terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.

In his opening remarks at the delegation-level talks that followed a one-on-one meeting, Singh said, “I would like to thank the government of Japan for their strong expression of solidarity with India in wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack”.

“Both sides condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration and joint efforts to counter cross-border threats.” Singh said Nakatani expressed solidarity with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack and offered “full support” to India.

It is learnt that the two sides also deliberate on ways to boost India-Japan defence industrial cooperation.

It is learnt that the two sides also reviewed the situation in the strategic waters of East and South China Seas where Beijing has been increasing its military posturing.

UN Secy Gen asks India-Pak to observe restraint

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Monday voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at “at their highest in years” and called for “maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink”.

“Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,” Guterres said in a brief statement.

Guterres offered his “good offices” to both governments in the service of peace. “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he said.

His remarks came hours before closed consultations of the UN Security Council on India-Pakistan tensions after Islamabad sought an emergency meeting.

“Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the Government and people of both countries – and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping,” Guterres said.

“And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point,” he said.

Guterres said that he understands the “raw feelings” following the “awful terror attack” in Pahalgam on April 22 and again strongly condemned that attack, extending his condolences to the families of the

“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” he said.

“It is also essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control,” Guterres added.