French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, conveying his condolences and full support following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and left many injured.
In a post on X, Macron expressed his sorrow and solidarity in Hindi, stating:
“France stands firmly with India and its people in this hour of grief. France, together with its allies, will continue the fight against terrorism wherever necessary.”
💬 Macron: ‘This Barbarism Is Totally Unacceptable’
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the conversation and shared Macron’s remarks:
“President @EmmanuelMacron called Prime Minister @narendramodi… strongly condemned the attack and expressed full support and solidarity with the people of India, adding that this kind of barbarism is totally unacceptable.”
Prime Minister Modi thanked Macron for his message of unity and assurance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
🇫🇷 France’s Interior Ministry Speaks Out
On an official visit to India, Francois-Noel Buffet, Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior of France, also condemned the attack. Speaking to media, he said:
“We need to express our solidarity and be together as nations to fight against terrorism. We’ll not let the people who did this go unpunished. We’ll fight against them together.”
🔴 A Tragic Turn for Tourists in Baisaran
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred in the Baisaran meadow of Anantnag district on Tuesday, was one of the deadliest in the region since Pulwama 2019. It killed 25 Indian tourists and 1 Nepali citizen, turning a peaceful hill destination into a scene of horror.
🛑 India’s Diplomatic Countermeasures Continue
Following the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by PM Modi convened on Wednesday, leading to a slew of tough diplomatic responses, including:
- Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari
- Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals
- A 40-hour deadline for Pakistani diplomats to leave
- Halting the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960
The global support, including from France, the United States, and other international partners, has bolstered India’s diplomatic and strategic stance in the wake of this tragic and cowardly act of terrorism.