Canada only G7 nation to keep mum on Kashmir terror attack that claimed 26 lives

Canada has neither condemned the terrorist attack nor released any official statement on the same.

US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's popular tourist destination, Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead on Tuesday.

"Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir. The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism. 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!" President Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In his statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the terrorist attack near the town of Pahalgam that claimed the lives of civilians — citizens of various countries. There can be no justification for this brutal crime. We expect that its sponsors and perpetrators will be duly punished."

Even India's geopolitical rivals like Turkey, China, and Pakistan have also condemned the deadly attack.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun was quoted as saying by Global Times: "We resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism, extend our condolences to the victims, and express sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured."

The attack was also condemned by the Taliban and Iran.

The ties between New Delhi and Ottawa reached an all-time low after ex-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that he has "credible allegations" of Indian government agents' involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Although there has been no official statement from the Canadian government, the country's opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, called out the dastardly terrorist attack.

"I condemn in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir that took the lives of innocent civilians, including tourists and families. Our hearts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected. Canada stands united against terror in all its forms," he wrote on X.

Pahalgam Massacre

Twenty-six tourists died after terrorists identified them as non-Muslims and gunned them down in Baisaran meadows, a popular destination in Pahalgam.

The terrorists, who were apparently in camouflage, reportedly asked the victims to chant Islamic verse, pull down their pants to check circumcision in a bid to confirm their Hindu identities before gunning them down. A Nepali national was among those killed.

India-Canada relations

After Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister last month, India had blamed the latter for "the downturn in India-Canada relations" owing to the "licence given to extremists" in the country.

An entirely new Cabinet was sworn in on March 14, after which both Ottawa and New Delhi expressed hope to rebuild ties, which have hit a historic low in recent times.

India and Canada's tussle was triggered after ex-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian officials of being involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India had then expelled six Canadian diplomats and asked them to leave the country after Ottawa said it was investigating the Indian ambassador and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in connection with the killing of a Sikh separatist leader last year.

Canada also asked six Indian diplomats to leave the country alleging that its police reportedly got hold of evidence that they claimed to be a part of an Indian government "campaign of violence".