UK says India has ‘full support’ to punish Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators

The United Kingdom has extended full support to India in bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice, while simultaneously calling for calm and dialogue between India and Pakistan amid rising tensions.

British Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer made this assurance while responding to an urgent parliamentary question in the House of Commons regarding the UK’s role after the April 22 attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepalese national, in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the incident as a "horrific terrorist attack," Falconer condemned the violence and assured that the UK backs India in holding those responsible accountable. “We want to see the perpetrators held to justice properly, and we will be supporting India to do so,” he said.

The minister also addressed rising community tensions within the UK, following demonstrations and a controversial video showing an alleged Pakistani official making a throat-slitting gesture toward Indian protesters in London. He confirmed the Metropolitan Police is investigating the incident, and emphasized the government’s responsibility under the Vienna Convention to ensure the safety of both the Indian and Pakistani High Commissions.

Falconer reiterated that while the UK remains a friend to both India and Pakistan, it strongly discourages the spillover of bilateral tensions onto British soil. He appealed to community and faith leaders to promote peace and unity among British Indian and Pakistani communities, stating, “Now is the time for coming together, not for playing out international conflicts on our streets.”

In response to a BBC report that used the term "militancy" for the Pahalgam incident, Falconer firmly clarified the UK government's position: “This was a horrific terrorist attack.” The statement drew support across party lines, with multiple MPs condemning the killings and urging caution to avoid further unrest in UK communities.