In response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, the ASEAN region witnessed a range of responses, with each member state offering condemnation, condolences, and solidarity in varying degrees. Here바카라s a comprehensive summary of how different ASEAN countries responded to the attack, reflecting both their positions on the ongoing threat of terrorism and their diplomatic engagements with India.
Kao Kim Hourn, the ASEAN Secretary General, who visited India last year, wrote to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on April 24: 바카라These attacks continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of regional and international efforts to end all forms and manifestations of terrorism and violent extremism.바카라
ASEAN unity has been challenged by recent crises as in Ukraine and Gaza where common statements were issued after much debate. The immediate issue of common statements is difficult when a consensus system prevails. A common ASEAN statement has not been issued, though counter terrorism is a stated joint India-ASEAN objective.
How ASEAN Countries Responded
Singapore바카라s Response
Singapore was quick to condemn the Pahalgam attack, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issuing an official statement on April 23, 2025. The statement unequivocally expressed solidarity with India, condemning the attack in the strongest terms. It stated: 바카라Singapore strongly condemns the terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, which have claimed many lives. We stand with India in the fight against terrorism.바카라
Malaysia바카라s Response:
Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, responded to the Pahalgam attack swiftly. PM Anwar Ibrahim condemned the attack as a 바카라calculated and inhuman바카라 act of terrorism and called for global unity in combating terrorism. However, his reference to the region as 바카라Indian-administered Kashmir바카라 caused controversy. Political parties like the Malaysian Indian People바카라s Party (MIPP), believed that such terminology undermined India바카라s sovereignty over Kashmir and nuanced the statement in favour of Pakistan.
Indonesia's Response:
Indonesia, known for its active role in regional and international diplomacy, was among the first ASEAN nations to issue a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. The Indonesian MFA labelled the attack as a 바카라heinous terrorist crime바카라, denouncing it for violating human rights and the principles of peace and security. In its statement, Indonesia expressed its deepest condolences to the victims바카라 families and reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. President Prabowo spoke to the Indian ambassador on this issue and Culture minister Fadli Zon conveyed their concern to EAM Jaishankar during their meeting at Waves in Mumbai.
President Prabowo in a meeting with the Indian ambassador said that the terror act did not reflect the teachings of Islam practiced in Indonesia. As the leader of a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the President was seen to be deeply shocked by the cruelty of the attack targeting innocent tourists.
The Philippines바카라 Response:
The Philippine government sent letters of solidarity to the President and to PM Modi while the MFA condemned terrorism calling the attack 바카라brutal바카라 in a tweet on 25 April.
Vietnam바카라s Response:
Vietnam also strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing it as an 바카라atrocious바카라 act of terrorism, emphasising that such acts of violence were unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations or perpetrators. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn sent official messages of condolence to their Indian counterparts.
Thailand바카라s Response:
Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra said: 바카라I am deeply saddened by the recent horrific attack in Pahalgam. I share my profound sorry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those injured during this difficult time.바카라 Historically, Thailand has called for peaceful dialogue and restraint during periods of tension between India and Pakistan. In the past, during conflicts such as the 2019 escalation over Jammu and Kashmir, Thailand urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue.
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, who are the most circumspect with regard to China, have taken fewer public positions on this issue, though they have communicated their distress and condemnation. In a letter to EPM by the Deputy PM and FM of Cambodia, he said: 바카라Cambodia reiterates its principle of condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the motives.바카라 Laos has also done a similar exercise through a letter.
In Myanmar, the military regime has quietly condemned the terror strike. They have clearly indicated that they stand with India in this difficult time. Representatives of political parties, the government, think tanks and media in Myanmar joined the Indian Embassy to express solidarity, condemn terrorism and pay homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack on 30th April.
Timor-Leste바카라s Response:
Timor-Leste has unequivocally condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. President José Ramos-Horta expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life, extending condolences to the Indian government and the families of the victims. He emphasised Timor-Leste바카라s strong commitment to combating terrorism and its support for India in the fight against extremism. The response from Timor-Leste underscores the country바카라s commitment to international peace and security, as well as its solidarity with India during this difficult time.
Conclusion:
The responses from ASEAN countries to the Pahalgam attack reflect a mix of strong condemnations, solidarity with India, and calls for international unity against terrorism. While some nations, such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, have issued clear and strong statements, others like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos have been more muted in public. The varying degrees of response highlight the different diplomatic approaches within ASEAN, ranging from vocal condemnation to more reserved stances based on historical policies of neutrality and non-interference. Regardless of their specific actions, it is clear that the ASEAN community remains committed to the fight against terrorism and the promotion of regional peace and security.
(Gurjit Singh is former Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia ASEAN and the African Union)
