What Did EAM Jaishankar Say to Australia's Penny Wong After the Sydney Terror Attack?
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New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar reached out to his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, expressing India's heartfelt condolences regarding the tragic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, where 15 innocent lives were lost. In a message posted on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "I just spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. I conveyed our deepest condolences regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our utmost support."
As per police reports, the assault was carried out by a father-son duo of Pakistani descent, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, who opened fire during a 'Chanukah by the Sea' event, celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival, on Sunday at Bondi Beach.
The incident resulted in a total of 16 fatalities, including the attacker Sajid. Police reported that the youngest victim was just 10 years old, who succumbed to injuries at a children's hospital, while the oldest victim was an 87-year-old individual.
Sajid was killed by police during the chaos, while his son Naveed, who was injured, is presently receiving treatment in a hospital.
This incident is now being regarded as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia in almost three decades, in a nation renowned for its stringent gun control measures.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack targeting the Jewish community and extended condolences to the victims' families.
He further affirmed India's commitment to combating all forms and manifestations of terrorism. "I strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack that occurred today at Bondi Beach, Australia, aimed at those celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. On behalf of the people of India, I express my sincere condolences to the families grieving their losses," PM Modi posted on X.
"We stand in solidarity with the Australian people during this time of sorrow. India maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism and supports the global fight against all its forms and manifestations," he added.