Putin calls Modi, Condemns Pahalgam Attack

In a separate statement, Moscow described the attack as "barbaric," conveyed condolences, and noted that both leaders agreed on the need for an "uncompromising fight against terrorism." The Kremlin also confirmed that President Putin had accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to visit India for the annual bilateral summit later this year.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is expected to discuss the current Indo-Pak tensions in a closed-door session on Tuesday (IST), following a request by Pakistan under the agenda title "International threats to peace and security," according to media reports.

India recently launched a diplomatic outreach to engage with the 15-member UNSC, particularly the non-permanent members, excluding Pakistan. India enjoys strong ties with four of the five permanent members, while China continues to be a longstanding ally of Islamabad. Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi is also expected to visit Delhi later this week, following his visit to Islamabad on Monday, with the objective of urging restraint and de-escalation.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on social media platform X, “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 emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice.”

He added, “Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. PM conveyed greetings to President Putin on the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited him for the Annual Summit to be held in India later in the year.”

In its official statement, Russia said that during the conversation, the "strategic nature" of bilateral ties was reaffirmed, highlighting that the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership is not subject to external influence and continues to grow across all sectors. Moscow also confirmed that an "Indian representative" would attend the 80th anniversary Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.

Notably, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had spoken to India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday, urging resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan through political and diplomatic channels, in line with the Shimla and Lahore accords.

According to media reports, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with Lavrov on Sunday, during which Moscow reportedly offered to "contribute to a political settlement" between India and Pakistan regarding the "situation triggered by the terror attack," provided both sides agreed. However, New Delhi has consistently rejected any third-party mediation in its bilateral issues with Pakistan.