New Delhi: Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured “full support to India’s all actions” after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Qatari leader expressed solidarity with the people of India in their fight against terrorism and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “In a telephonic conversation with PM Narendra Modi today, the Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani conveyed condolences and solidarity with the people of India at the loss of lives in the cross border terror attack in Pahalgam, India. He expressed full support in India’s fight against terrorism and all its actions to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Jaiswal added: “PM thanked HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani for the clear message of solidarity and support. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to deepen the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and to implement the decisions taken during the State Visit of the Amir earlier this year.”
The Amir’s clear message of support for India comes after the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic level during his state visit to New Delhi earlier this year.
Global condemnation
There has been global condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. On Monday, US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated America’s backing for India’s fight against terrorism during a Congressional briefing at Capitol Hill. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin also called PM Modi and denounced the attack as “barbaric” while conveying “deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives”. He said the perpetrators “must be brought to justice”.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with New Delhi.