French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to express solidarity and support in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region. The brutal assault, which occurred on Tuesday, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including one Nepali citizen, and left many others injured.
During the phone call, President Macron strongly condemned the attack and offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He assured PM Modi that France stands firmly with India during this time of grief and emphasized the need for continued global cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Macron shared the update on his official X account in Hindi, stating, “I have just spoken to my counterpart @narendramodi about the cowardly terrorist attack on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic death of dozens of innocent civilians. 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.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the conversation and noted that Macron called the incident a “heinous terror attack” and termed such acts of violence as “totally unacceptable.” He reiterated France’s unwavering support for India and its people. Prime Minister Modi thanked Macron for his solidarity and reaffirmed India’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Further expressing France’s support, Francois-Noel Buffet, Minister Delegate to the French Interior Minister, who is currently visiting India, conveyed condolences on behalf of the French government. Speaking to ANI, he said, “We are deeply saddened and angered by this attack. The people responsible must not go unpunished. In moments like these, nations must unite to fight terrorism together.”
The attack took place in the Baisaran meadow of the Anantnag district, turning a popular tourist destination into a tragic scene. In response, India convened a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by PM Modi, on Wednesday.
Following the attack, the Indian government announced a series of diplomatic measures, including the closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals—granting them a 40-hour window to leave India—and a reduction in diplomatic staff in both nations’ High Commissions. Additionally, India has put a hold on the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 as part of its response.