EAM Jaishankar Speaks to Russian Counterpart Lavrov Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

GG News Bureau
New Delhi/Moscow, 4th May: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the situation, bilateral cooperation, and regional security.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), EAM Jaishankar said,

“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack with FM Lavrov of Russia yesterday. Its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice. Also spoke about our bilateral cooperation activities.”

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the two leaders also reviewed the schedule of upcoming high-level engagements and emphasized the importance of political and diplomatic dialogue in de-escalating tensions in the region. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for resolving India-Pakistan disagreements based on the Simla Agreement (1972) and the Lahore Declaration (1999).

The conversation between Jaishankar and Lavrov took place against the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists visiting the scenic destination often referred to as “mini Switzerland.” The strike, the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack, was initially claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—though TRF later denied involvement.

India Responds with Diplomatic Action

In a swift and stern response, the Indian government implemented several diplomatic measures targeting Pakistan:

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals and a 40-hour deadline for them to exit Indian territory.
• Reduction in diplomatic staff in both High Commissions.
• Revocation of all visas issued to Pakistani citizens and an order for their departure by April 30.
• Closure of Indian airspace to all Pakistan International Airlines flights.

Pakistan Retaliates

In a retaliatory move, Pakistan suspended all trade with India, including transit trade via third countries, and barred Indian airlines from accessing its airspace. Meanwhile, ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces have continued for nine consecutive days, with small arms fire reported across five districts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister Modi’s Stern Warning

At a high-level security meeting on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a strong message, stating that the Indian armed forces have “full operational freedom” to determine the mode, timing, and targets of the country’s response to the Pahalgam attack.

“It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” PM Modi said, according to government sources.

The developments have brought renewed international attention to the fragile peace in South Asia, with India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism drawing diplomatic backing from key global partners, including Russia.