Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has stated that Nepal has always been against terrorism and strongly condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism.

At an event organised on Saturday at the Indian Embassy in Nepal to pay tribute to those who were killed in the terrorist attack at Pahalgam, Kashmir in India, she said that Nepal has consistently stood in favour of peace and against terrorism.

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22 at Baisaran Valley, Anantnag district, in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, was a devastating terrorist assault that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals including one Nepali national and injured at least 20 others.

The victims were primarily non-Muslim male tourists, including individuals from various Indian states and foreign nationals from Nepal and the United Arab Emirates.

“Nepal strongly condemns all forms and expressions of terrorism,” Deuba said. “Nepal stands firmly against any terrorist activity, regardless of place, time, or purpose.”

Minister Deuba emphasised that there should be no double standards when dealing with terrorism, and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to ensuring that its territory is never used by any terrorist group for any purpose against any country or its people.

She expressed Nepal’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack has led to a significant diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the militants responsible for the attack, leading to the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, expulsion of diplomats, and heightened border tensions. Pakistan has denied involvement and criticised India’s actions.​

President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Deuba, and leaders from various political parties have condemned the attack and firmly stood in favour of the government of India in its fight against terrorism.

Deuba also expressed that Nepal stands with the government and people of India during this difficult time. She added that Nepal stands shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terrorism.

Recalling the deep relationship between Nepal and India, she noted that this bond is not just about diplomacy but also about a shared history, culture, and cooperation that has lasted for centuries.

“Our open borders are symbols of mutual trust, and our family ties connect us deeply,” she said. “We have always stood together, in times of joy or crisis. When Nepal was devastated by the earthquake, it was India that first extended a helping hand.”

She also thanked the Indian government for helping repatriate the body of Nepali youth Sudeep Neupane, who was a victim of the Pahalgam tragedy, as well as for assisting other affected individuals.

Deuba paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.