Bureau, April 24, 2025 – In a powerful show of international support, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24 to express Italy’s solidarity with India following the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22. Meloni’s call was joined by similar gestures from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron, who also personally conveyed their condolences and reaffirmed their commitment to stand with India in its fight against terrorism.
During her conversation with Modi, Meloni condemned the attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow as a “heinous act of terror” and extended Italy’s “full support” to India in this challenging time. She emphasized the need for global cooperation to combat terrorism, stating, “India and Italy will work together to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts.” The Italian leader’s pledge aligns with the growing partnership between the two nations, which have collaborated on security and defense initiatives in recent years. Italy’s support adds to a chorus of international backing for India as it navigates the fallout from the attack, which has been blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
Meloni’s call followed similar outreach from Netanyahu and Macron, who also spoke with Modi to express their personal condolences for the lives lost in Pahalgam. Netanyahu, who called earlier on April 24, described the attack as a “barbaric act” and assured Modi of Israel’s unwavering support, highlighting the shared challenges both nations face from terrorism. Macron, in his conversation, reiterated France’s solidarity with India, drawing on the deep ties between the two countries and their mutual commitment to counter-terrorism. France and India have a history of collaboration in this domain, including joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing agreements.
The Pahalgam attack, which targeted tourists and involved the selective killing of non-Muslims, has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted India to take stringent measures against Pakistan, including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty and the expulsion of Pakistani nationals. The attack’s audacity—killing 26 people, including one foreign national, in a popular tourist destination—has galvanized global attention, with leaders from the United States, Russia, and Nepal also condemning the violence.
The support from Italy, Israel, and France comes at a critical juncture as India faces escalating tensions with Pakistan. Pakistan has rejected the treaty suspension, suspended all bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, and warned that any water diversion will be treated as an “act of war.” The country has also closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, sealed the Wagah border, and increased military deployments along the Line of Control (LoC), raising fears of a broader conflict.
Modi, in his conversations with Meloni, Netanyahu, and Macron, thanked the leaders for their support and reiterated India’s resolve to combat terrorism. “We are grateful for the solidarity of our friends in the international community,” Modi said in a statement. “India will not rest until those responsible for such cowardly acts are brought to justice.” The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for a united global front against terrorism, a sentiment echoed by the three leaders.
Posts on X reflect a mix of gratitude and concern among Indian citizens, with many praising the international support as a boost to India’s position, while others worry about the escalating tensions with Pakistan. The backing from Italy, Israel, and France not only strengthens India’s diplomatic stance but also signals a growing coalition of nations committed to addressing the global threat of terrorism. As India and its allies deepen their counter-terrorism efforts, the world watches closely, hoping for de-escalation in a region on the brink of crisis.
