Pulwama attack: US, Russia, France, other countries condemn terror act

The Pulwama attack in which at least 39 CRPF jawans were killed has invited condemnation and solidarity for India from the international community. The United States condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and said it stands alongside India in defeating terrorism.

At least 39 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 200 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: The Pulwama attack in which at least 39 CRPF jawans were killed has invited condemnation and solidarity for India from the international community. The United States condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and said it stands alongside India in defeating terrorism. "The US Mission in India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims," US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted. The US stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it, he said. Russia said it denounces terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Pulwama. "The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of India condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district,  which claimed precious lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and left numerous people injured," the Russian Embassy said. "We denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with decisive and collective response without any double standards. May we express sincere condolences to the grieving families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," it said. Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler said: "France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers. France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms." Condemning the attack, Sri Lanka prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said: "I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and the families of police officers who lost their lives. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives said: "Strongly condemn the suicide terrorist attack on the  convoy carrying Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir today. I extend my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families of the dead and injured." Nepal also strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district and said such heinous acts of terrorism cannot be justified on any ground. "The Government of Nepal strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir today that has resulted in the loss of many precious lives," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as the Government and people of India. "In line with its principled position, Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot be justified on any ground," it said.