New Delhi:
In a recent call, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pahargam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and locals. This statement from Putin comes amid ongoing discussions regarding Pakistan’s involvement in such violence, especially following Russia and China’s push for an investigation into these incidents. Notably, Putin also accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, highlighting that the Russia-India relationship remains robust and is evolving independently of external pressures.
Putin conveyed his sorrow over the attacks, urging that those responsible should face justice. In a post on social media, he reiterated his support for India in combating terrorism. The two leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership further. Modi extended a greeting to Putin during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him to the annual summit in India, as noted by a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs.
This dialogue between the leaders comes shortly after Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Kawaja Asif, suggested that Russia, China, or Western nations could play positive roles in addressing the ongoing crisis. He mentioned potential investigations into whether India, particularly Modi, was being truthful about the situation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan also backed calls for an international inquiry to identify those behind the attacks.
The Resistance Front, associated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the April 22 incident. Moscow has long been a crucial ally for New Delhi, with their partnership deepening particularly during the Ukrainian conflict, as India continued to purchase Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions. The rapport between Putin and Modi is such that Putin humorously remarked during Modi’s visit to Russia last October that their mutual understanding transcends language.
