Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a “heinous act of violence” and extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and the people of India.
In an official statement released on Tuesday evening, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:
“The Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that resulted in many deaths and injuries.”
“The Kingdom affirms its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians. The Kingdom also extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and the government and people of the Republic of India,” the statement added.
PM Modi Cuts Short Visit, Receives Solidarity from Crown Prince
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia on a two-day state visit, cut short his trip in response to the attack. The visit, however, included a high-level bilateral meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, during which the Pahalgam incident was addressed at the outset.
The Saudi Crown Prince conveyed his personal condolences and sympathies, and expressed solidarity with India, offering any assistance needed to deal with the aftermath of the attack.
Strategic Partnership Council Meeting Proceeds
Despite the tragedy, India and Saudi Arabia held a productive session of the Strategic Partnership Council, focusing on deepening ties in energy, defence, trade, investments, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
At a press briefing following the visit, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, described the bilateral meeting as:
“Very fruitful, substantial, and forward-looking.”
He added that both nations are “committed to broadening their engagement across critical sectors”, while remaining united in the fight against terrorism and extremism.