NEW DELHI, April 25: Envoys from the United States, Israel, Spain and several other nations arrived at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in South Block on Friday, days after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
Describing the attack as a “watershed moment,” Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said the incident marked a pivotal point in regional security cooperation. “We extended our condolences for the terrible attack that happened here,” Azar told reporters.
“This is a watershed moment. We stand with India; it’s a very important moment. Of course, we discussed things of mutual concern that have to do with the fight against terrorism and also how to enhance cooperation.”
Azar noted that Israel and India share “great cooperation” and expressed willingness for deeper collaboration “both bilaterally, regionally and globally.”
US Charge d’Affaires Jorgan K. Andrews was also seen leaving the MEA office following closed-door meetings. Spanish Ambassador José María Ridao likewise visited the South Block premises, as diplomatic outreach intensified in the wake of the strike.
The visits came a day after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a special briefing with ambassadors of several countries including Germany, Japan, Poland, the UK and Russia. According to sources, a 30-minute session was held with representatives of G20 nations, including China and Canada.
Following the attack, the Government of India took a series of diplomatic steps aimed at isolating Pakistan.
These included closing the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals — who were given 40 hours to return — and reducing staff strength at both Indian and Pakistani High Commissions.
India also announced a freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement signed in 1960 that had survived wars and repeated diplomatic ruptures.
The treaty had long served as a cornerstone for cooperation on irrigation and hydropower development between India and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a public address, vowed retribution for the strike.
“The terrorists responsible for this attack, and those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination,” he said.
“The time has come to eliminate the remaining strongholds of terrorism. The willpower of 140 crore Indians will now break the backbone of the perpetrators of terror.”
