NEW DELHI, May 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, strongly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, and offering “full support” to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism.

Putin expressed his deepest condolences over the loss of innocent lives in the attack, which resulted in the death of 26 tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam. “He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), after the call.

The brutal assault occurred on April 22 when four heavily armed terrorists, two of whom were from Pakistan, emerged from the surrounding dense forests and opened fire on tourists, making it one of the most horrific attacks in the region in recent memory.

In a follow-up statement, the Kremlin highlighted that both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen India-Russia’s Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM Modi conveyed his greetings to President Putin on the upcoming celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him to India for the Annual Summit later in the year.

The call took place just ahead of President Putin’s hosting of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is scheduled for an official visit to Russia from May 7-10, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

“The strategic nature of Russian-Indian relations of a special privileged partnership was emphasised. These relations are not subject to external influence and continue to develop dynamically in all directions,” said the Kremlin in its statement. Both leaders also underscored the need for an “uncompromising fight” against terrorism in any form.

PM Modi, while sending his congratulations to President Putin and the Russian people for the upcoming Victory Day celebrations, reiterated his invitation for a bilateral summit, which was accepted with gratitude. Despite being invited by Putin to attend the Victory Day celebrations, PM Modi will not be traveling to Russia.

Earlier, President Putin had extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, expressing his shock over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Putin had called the attack “a brutal crime with no justification,” emphasizing Russia’s commitment to increase cooperation with India in combating terrorism.