The Pahalgam Attack: A Brutal Act of Terror
On April 22, 2025, the serene tourist destination of Pahalgam in India’s Jammu and Kashmir was shattered by violence when armed terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people – 25 tourists and one local resident. The attack, which specifically targeted innocent civilians based on their religious affiliation, is the deadliest attack on civilians in Kashmir in over two decades and represents a grave escalation in terrorism in the region.
The perpetrators, linked to a group called The Resistance Front (TRF), systematically separated tourists based on their religion and executed them, one after the other, in front of their families and loved ones. TRF is widely recognized as a proxy for the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United Nations Security Council since 2005 and has been implicated in numerous attacks on Indian soil, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Table 1: Key Facts about the Pahalgam Terror Attack (April 22, 2025)
| Fact | Details |
| Date of Attack | April 22, 2025 |
| Location | Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Number of Deaths | 26 (24 Indian Tourists, 1 Nepali Tourist, 1 Local Resident) |
| Number of Injured | 17 |
| Perpetrating Group (claimed) | The Resistance Front (TRF) with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba based in Pakistan |
| Weapons Used | M4 Carbines, AK-47s |
| Modus Operandi | Mass shooting, religious profiling (targeting Hindu tourists) |
India’s Measured Response
Following the attack and after establishing evidence of cross-border terrorism links, India took several diplomatic measures, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closing border crossings, and downgrading diplomatic relations with Pakistan. These steps demonstrated India’s firm stance against terrorism, while maintaining international diplomatic norms.
On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor – a targeted military operation against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation was carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties while effectively striking terrorist camps and training facilities.
Operation Sindoor was focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. It targeted nine sites from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed, while carefully avoiding Pakistani military installations. This precision approach underscores India’s commitment to countering terrorism while avoiding broader regional conflict.
Egypt’s Strong Support for India
Egypt has been unequivocal in its condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. On the very next day of the terror attack, the Government of Egypt issued a issued a strong statement condemning the heinous attack, extending heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, as well as to the families of the victims, while wishing a speedy recovery for the wounded.
Egypt emphasized “its full solidarity with India in the face of all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten the country’s security and stability,” demonstrating the strong bonds between our two nations in the face of common threats.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi personally reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express Egypt’s support during this difficult time. Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty spoke to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar twice after the attack, conveying Egypt’s solidarity with India against countering terrorism.
Egypt’s Own Experience with Terrorism
Egypt’s steadfast support for India comes from its own painful experiences with terrorism. For decades, Egypt has confronted terrorist threats targeting tourists, religious minorities, security forces, and government officials. From the devastating 1997 Luxor Massacre that claimed 62 lives to more recent attacks on Coptic Christians and security personnel, Egyptians understand all too well the grave threat terrorism poses to peace, stability, and economic development.
Both our countries have also paid a heavy price for terrorism targeting our tourism industries, which is a vital component of our economies. Attacks on visiting tourists have immediate and lasting effects, affecting the livelihoods of millions who depend on tourism for their income.
Egypt has remained resilient and has implemented comprehensive counterterrorism strategies that include not only security measures but also social and economic development initiatives to address root causes of extremism.
The AL-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism has an important role to play in promoting moderate thought, combating extremism, and fostering a culture of dialogue and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Our two nations stand on the frontlines of the global war against terrorism, acting both within our borders and internationally to support greater security and stability.
India and Egypt: Collaboration in Counter Terrorism
India and Egypt have longstanding and close collaboration in the area of counter terrorism. On 30th April 2025, just a few days after the heinous Pahalgam terror attack, the 4th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was held in Cairo. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to (i) strengthen joint efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. (ii) work together to counter new and emerging challenges such as use of technology for terrorist purposes and financing of terrorism, including crypto currencies, unmanned aerial systems and misuse of cyber space by terrorists for spreading terrorist propaganda (iii) further strengthen bilateral cooperation in anti-money laundering efforts, drug trafficking and organized crime (iv) deepen cooperation in training and capacity building, cyber security, use of AI for counter terrorism, exchange of best practices and information sharing.
Terrorism: A Threat to Humanity
The attack in Pahalgam and India’s subsequent response highlight several critical aspects of the global fight against terrorism:
First, terrorism recognizes no borders, religions, or cultures. It targets innocent civilians indiscriminately, seeking to sow fear and division. Whether in the valleys of Kashmir, the ancient temples of Luxor, or the markets of Cairo, terrorists aimed to undermine the very foundations of civilized society.
Second, terrorism poses a severe economic threat, particularly to developing nations. By targeting tourism and infrastructure, terrorists seek to weaken economies and create conditions of instability that further their extremist agendas.
Third, countering terrorism requires international cooperation and solidarity. The support extended by Egypt and other nations to India following the Pahalgam attack demonstrates the importance of a united front against this global menace.
The gruesome attack in Kashmir served as a sobering reminder to the international community: terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and human security. The United Nations Security Council, in a rare moment of unanimity, issued a press statement condemning the Kashmir terror attack in the strongest terms.
The Path Forward
Egypt recognizes India’s right to defend its citizens against terrorist threats while appreciating its measured approach focused on terrorist infrastructure rather than civilian targets. Operation Sindoor of India represents a targeted response to a specific threat, consistent with international norms of self-defense. There is no safe haven for terrorists.
As nations committed to peace, security, and development, Egypt and India share a vision of a world free from terrorism. This vision can only be realized through continued cooperation, information sharing, and joint efforts to address both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism. Only through collective action, can we ensure that tragedies like the Pahalgam attack never recur and that the perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice.
In the face of terrorism, our resolve remains unshaken. India, together with Egypt and international partners, will continue to work towards a future of peace, prosperity, and security for our peoples and for all humanity.
Ms. C. Sushma is India’s Acting Ambassador to Egypt
