New Delhi: US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are among the foreign leaders and dignitaries who have condoled Tuesday (April 22)'s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam – in which 26 people were killed – and the White House has said Trump will phone Prime Minister Modi as soon as he can.

The attack, in which 24 tourists including two foreigners apart from two locals were killed, was claimed by The Resistance Front, which officials believe is an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba terror outfit. It was one of the worst ones targeting civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

Vance, who is in India on a four-day visit with his wife Usha and their three children that started on Monday, extended his condolences on X.

“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack,” he wrote.

Many have drawn a parallel with Tuesday's attack to the Chittisinghpura massacre of 2000, in which at least 35 Sikh villagers were gunned down in the eponymous village in Anantnag district on the eve of then-US president Bill Clinton’s state visit to India.

Trump also condoled Tuesday's “deeply disturbing” attack, writing on his Truth Social platform that the US “stands strong with India against Terrorism”.

He added: “We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with you all!”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that Trump, who was briefed by his national security adviser about the attack, would speak with Modi over the phone “as soon as he possibly can”.

“These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability continue our mission,” Leavitt also said.

Modi, who travelled to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning for a two-day visit, decided to cut his trip short in light of the attacks.

He returned to India overnight following bilateral engagements with crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

EU president Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X on India's unbreakable spirit:

The vile terror attack in Pahalgam today stole so many innocent lives.

My deepest condolences to @narendramodi and every Indian heart grieving today.

Yet I know that India’s spirit is unbreakable.

You will stand strong in this ordeal.

And Europe will stand with you.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin wrote to Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressing his condolences.

“This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever,” he said, adding that Moscow was committed to “increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the attack. “Italy expresses its closeness to the families affected, the injured, the government and all the Indian people.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he spoke with Modi on Wednesday afternoon about the attack.

“The horrific loss of life of innocent civilians is an act of senseless violence which has shocked the world. Those responsible must be held to account. Australia and India are great friends and we stand with India at this difficult time,” he said on X.

Israel's foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar posted a condolence note on X. He also said that “Israel stands united with India in the fight against terror”.

Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Khaleel condemned the attack and extended condolences to the government and the Indian people. “Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a threat to peace, security and human dignity. People must have the freedom to live, travel, and explore the world without the fear,” he said.

Ukraine's foreign minister wrote on X: “When innocent people are killed, it causes unbearable pain. Such violence has no justification. On this grim day, Ukraine stands in solidarity with India.”

Kyiv's embassy in Delhi also issued a statement expressing concern and condolences, writing that “We endure the loss of life from terrorism daily and firmly condemn terrorism in all its forms”.

Ismail Baghai, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, issued a statement on Tuesday night, describing the attack as “a severe crime that contradicts all international legal and human rights norms”.

The United Arab Emirates' government also issued a condolence statement.

Xu Feihong, the Chinese ambassador to India, said he was shocked by the attack in Pahalgam.

"Deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families. Oppose terrorism of all forms," he wrote.

Nepal's ambassador to India Shankar P. Sharma wrote on X that Nepal stands with India and condoled the loss of a Nepali life too.

Nepal strongly condemns the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K. We stand with 🇮🇳 against such violence.

Deeply saddened by the loss of Nepali citizen Sudip Neupane. Heartfelt condolences to his family & all affected. GON will provide all necessary assistance to his family.

The Afghan foreign ministry also condemned the attack, saying in a statement that “such acts threaten the security and stability of the region”.

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