"Terrorism is the ultimate enemy of human civilization; it works against forces that believe in democracy" - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

 "Terrorism is the ultimate enemy of human civilization; it works against forces that believe in democracy" - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  [Zagreb, June 18, 2025]

After the recent horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of international solidarity in the fight against terrorism during a joint press conference on Tuesday. He stated, “Terrorism is the ultimate enemy of humanity, and it works against forces that believe in democracy.”

He made this statement in the Croatian capital, Zagreb, alongside Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. During the conference, he expressed gratitude for Croatia's condolences and solidarity following the Pahalgam attack, saying, “The support of our ally countries is invaluable during such difficult times.”

Prime Minister Modi further stated, “Both of us agree that in the current global situation, India-Europe partnership is extremely important. Croatia’s role in strengthening our strategic relationship with the European Union is commendable.”

Croatia's Response

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković described terrorism as the greatest threat to global stability, adding, “We deeply understand the Prime Minister’s message. We discussed the April 22 attack and expressed our sympathy for India’s response.”

He also mentioned, “We have agreed on future cooperation in sectors like economy, defense, nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and information technology. India is a global leader in the IT sector, and we wish to partner in this field as well.”

The Pahalgam Attack and India's Response

It is worth mentioning that on April 22, a Pakistan-backed militant group attacked a tourist convoy in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people. In retaliation, India launched a targeted airstrike on May 7, named “Operation Sindhur,” hitting several terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In response, Pakistan attempted counterattacks on India’s military bases on May 8, 9, and 10, but India’s strategic resistance thwarted these efforts, causing significant damage to several Pakistani military installations.

After four days of clashes, India and Pakistan reached a temporary ceasefire through diplomatic talks on May 10. However, tensions remain high across the region.

International Message

Analysts believe that the Modi-Plenković meeting reflects not just bilateral friendship but also a united stance against terrorism on the international stage. Given the current unstable global situation, this message will play a crucial role in further consolidating India’s position, according to diplomatic circles.