New Delhi: In a pivotal phone call on May 5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unequivocally condemned the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and injured dozens. The leaders reaffirmed their resolve to combat terrorism “uncompromisingly” in all its forms, stressing that the perpetrators and their supporters must be brought to justice. This conversation, the first between the two since the attack, highlights the robust strategic partnership between India and Russia, described by both as impervious to external pressures.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Brutal Tragedy
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terror attack struck a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam, a renowned tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The assault, which Indian authorities have linked to cross-border elements, killed 26 civilians and left dozens injured. Termed “barbaric” by President Putin, the attack has intensified tensions between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi attributing responsibility to Pakistan-based groups. The incident has drawn widespread international condemnation, with global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, denouncing the violence and demanding accountability.
In response, India announced a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including placing the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance,” a critical agreement governing water sharing between the two nations. Indian leadership cited “cross-border linkages” to the attack, vowing severe repercussions for those responsible. Prime Minister Modi has granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to decide the mode, targets, and timing of India’s response, signaling a firm anti-terrorism stance.
Pakistan retaliated with its own measures, closing its airspace to Indian airliners and suspending all trade with India. Islamabad warned that any disruption to water flow under the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with the “full spectrum of national power.” Pakistan has also alleged that India is preparing for a military operation similar to the cross-border strikes of 2016 and 2019, further escalating regional tensions.
Putin’s Resolute Support for India
President Putin was among the first world leaders to condemn the Pahalgam attack, formally conveying condolences to Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on April 22. In his message, he stated, “There can be no justification for this brutal crime. We expect that its sponsors and perpetrators will be duly punished.” During the May 5 phone call, Putin reiterated this position, describing the attack as “barbaric” and pledging Russia’s full support for India’s fight against terrorism.
“President Putin called PM Modi 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 emphasized that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
A Kremlin statement underscored the “strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations as a special privileged partnership,” noting that these ties “are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all areas.” Putin’s call for an “uncompromising fight against terrorism in all its manifestations” aligns with India’s determination to hold the perpetrators, backers, and planners of the attack accountable.
Russia’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
While Russia has firmly backed India’s anti-terrorism efforts, it has also advocated for restraint to prevent further escalation between India and Pakistan. On May 3, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging a resolution of differences through political and diplomatic means. Lavrov referenced the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration, bilateral frameworks that India views as the foundation for addressing disputes with Pakistan.
“Russia had called to settle the differences between New Delhi and Islamabad by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis in conformity with the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration,” a Russian statement noted. This stance reflects Moscow’s effort to balance its strong alliance with India while promoting de-escalation in the region.
Pakistan has threatened to withdraw from all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Pact, but has not yet issued formal notification. India, given the current tensions, is unlikely to embrace calls for engagement with Pakistan at this stage.
Strengthening the India-Russia Strategic Partnership
The Putin-Modi phone call also served to reinforce the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi extended greetings to President Putin for the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory Day, which marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and is celebrated in Moscow on May 9. Modi invited Putin to visit India later in 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, underscoring the commitment to sustained high-level engagement.
“Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership,” Jaiswal said. Russia has expressed a desire to enhance cooperation with India on counter-terrorism, with Putin stating, “I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
The India-Russia relationship has remained resilient amid global geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow on July 8-9, 2024, for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit and later attended the 16th BRICS meeting in Kazan, Russia, on October 22-23, 2024. On March 27, 2025, Foreign Minister Lavrov praised India’s “balanced position on the Ukrainian crisis,” highlighting the alignment of strategic interests between the two nations.
Victory Day and India’s Representation
Russia invited Prime Minister Modi to participate in the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025, which will be attended by several heads of state, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Due to the escalating tensions with Pakistan, India initially designated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to represent the country. However, Singh will be unable to attend due to the ongoing situation, and India will now be represented by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
India’s Regional and Global Response
The Pahalgam attack has had significant domestic and international implications. Prime Minister Modi curtailed a planned visit to Saudi Arabia in the immediate aftermath but is scheduled to undertake a three-nation tour to Croatia, the Netherlands, and Norway from May 13 to 17, 2025, signaling India’s commitment to global diplomacy despite regional challenges.
Domestically, the attack has sparked political debates. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor faced criticism from his party for his remarks on the Pahalgam attack, with some accusing him of aligning with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin controversially linked the attack to Islam, stating, “Terrorism will stay as long as Islam is there,” drawing significant backlash. In Pakistan, jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan warned India, describing the situation as a potential “nuclear flashpoint.”
Global Reactions and Social Media Fallout
The Pahalgam attack has also reverberated on social media. India’s decision to block Pakistani artists, including actors Hania Aamir and Mahira Khan, on Instagram has divided netizens, with some Indian fans using VPNs to reach out to the artists. Aamir expressed being overwhelmed by the support, stating, “Ro doongi” (I will cry). Meanwhile, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi criticized remarks by an aide to Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on India’s northeast, stating, “You owe existence to India.”
Conclusion
The Putin-Modi phone call underscores the unwavering commitment of India and Russia to combat terrorism and deepen their strategic partnership. As India navigates heightened tensions with Pakistan and pursues justice for the Pahalgam attack, Russia’s support provides a crucial diplomatic boost. The leaders’ reaffirmation of bilateral ties, coupled with plans for the 23rd India-Russia Summit, signals a continued strengthening of relations. Amid global calls for de-escalation, the path forward remains complex, but India’s resolve to counter terrorism remains steadfast, backed by allies like Russia.
FAQs
1.What was the purpose of the phone call between Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi on May 5, 2025?
The phone call focused on condemning the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism uncompromisingly, emphasized bringing the perpetrators to justice, and discussed deepening the India-Russia strategic partnership, including plans for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later in 2025.
2.What actions has India taken in response to the Pahalgam terror attack?
India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based elements and announced punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to respond, and India has vowed severe punishment for the perpetrators, citing “cross-border linkages” to the attack.
3.How has Russia supported India following the Pahalgam attack?
President Vladimir Putin was among the first leaders to condemn the attack, describing it as “barbaric” and pledging Russia’s full support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts. He expressed condolences and called for the perpetrators and their supporters to face justice, while Russia advocated for deeper counter-terrorism cooperation with India.
4.What is Russia’s stance on India-Pakistan tensions post-attack?
While supporting India’s fight against terrorism, Russia has urged restraint to avoid escalation. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called for resolving India-Pakistan differences through political and diplomatic means, referencing the 1972 Simla Agreement and 1999 Lahore Declaration as frameworks for bilateral dialogue.
5.How does the Pahalgam attack affect India-Russia relations?
The attack has strengthened the resolve of both nations to deepen their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The phone call highlighted their mutual commitment to counter-terrorism and sustained bilateral engagement, with Modi inviting Putin to the 23rd India-Russia Summit and extending greetings for Russia’s Victory Day on May 9, 2025.
