Vladimir Putin Called Modi
On May 5, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express his deep sorrow over a deadly terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025. The attack, one of the worst in recent times, claimed the lives of 26 tourists and injured many others in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. Putin strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous” act and offering Russia’s full support to India in its fight against terrorism.
During the call, Putin emphasized that those responsible for the attack, as well as their supporters, must face justice. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured. Modi, in turn, thanked Putin for his support and sent greetings for Russia’s upcoming Victory Day celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Modi also invited Putin to visit India later in 2025 for the annual India-Russia Summit, a key event in their ongoing partnership.
The Pahalgam attack was carried out by four heavily armed terrorists, including two from Pakistan, who emerged from dense forests and opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. The brutality of the attack shocked the nation and drew international attention, with many countries, including Russia, condemning the violence. The incident has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, as India has pointed to cross-border terrorism as a major concern.
India and Russia share a strong bond, often described as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” This relationship, built on decades of cooperation in areas like defense, energy, and trade, was reaffirmed during the call. Both leaders expressed their commitment to deepening ties through regular meetings and joint efforts to combat terrorism. Russia has consistently supported India’s stance on terrorism, advocating for global cooperation to tackle this threat.
The call came just before Putin hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia from May 7 to 10, 2025, for Victory Day celebrations. While Modi was also invited to the event, he will not be traveling to Russia this time. However, the two leaders have a tradition of meeting at least once a year, and Putin’s upcoming visit to India in early 2025 will continue this practice. The last time Putin visited India was in December 2021 for the 21st India-Russia Summit in New Delhi, where both nations signed several agreements to boost cooperation.
On April 22, Putin had already sent a message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Modi, condemning the Pahalgam attack and calling it a “brutal crime” with no justification. He reiterated Russia’s willingness to work closely with India to fight terrorism in all its forms. This message was followed by a call on May 2 between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. They discussed the attack and the need to bring its perpetrators to justice. Lavrov also urged India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through dialogue, referencing agreements like the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999, which promote peace between the two neighbors.
The Pahalgam attack has not only strengthened India-Russia ties but also highlighted the importance of global unity against terrorism. India has long faced challenges from terrorism, particularly in the Jammu and Kashmir region, where Pahalgam is located. The attack has sparked debates about improving security in tourist areas and addressing the root causes of such violence.
Modi’s visits to Russia in 2024, including the 22nd Russia-India Summit in July and the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October, further solidified the partnership. These meetings focused on expanding trade, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges. For instance, India and Russia are working to increase their bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, with initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and joint energy projects.
As both nations prepare for Putin’s visit to India in 2025, the focus will likely be on enhancing cooperation in emerging areas like technology, space exploration, and renewable energy, alongside their traditional strengths. The Pahalgam attack has underscored the need for stronger international collaboration to ensure peace and security, and India and Russia are poised to lead by example.
In summary, the recent call between Putin and Modi reflects the deep trust and mutual respect between India and Russia. Their shared commitment to fighting terrorism and building a stronger partnership will continue to shape their relationship in the years ahead.
Highlights:
Putin called Modi on May 5 to condemn the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
Russia offered full support to India in fighting terrorism and urged justice for the attackers.
Attack involved Pakistani terrorists, escalating India-Pakistan tensions.
Modi thanked Putin and invited him to visit India later in 2025 for the annual summit.
India-Russia ties reaffirmed, focusing on defense, trade, and anti-terror cooperation.
The Eastern Times
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