In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir that left at least 26 civilians dead, mostly tourists, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has strongly condemned the violence, calling it a “game changer” and “an attack on the heart of India.” The envoy’s remarks came both through a statement on social media and in a recent interview, where he expressed deep solidarity with India during this time of grief.
A Diplomatic Voice of Solidarity
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, speaking to The Indian Express published on 13 May, emphasized the profound emotional and political impact of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. “The targeted nature of the killings was horrifying,” he said, noting the tragic loss of life, especially among young and newly-married couples. “Seeing the grief of the families left behind is deeply moving,” he added.
Ackermann remarked that the attack not only shocked the conscience of the nation but also of the international community. “This wasn’t just an act of violence—it struck at the very soul of India,” he said, describing the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam as a symbol of peace and revival in Kashmir.
“Pahalgam is a Game Changer”
Referring to his personal visit to Kashmir last year, the envoy recalled a visible transformation in the region. “Compared to what it was 15 years ago, I saw vibrant tourism and a sense of normalcy. That’s what makes this attack all the more painful—it’s a direct hit to India’s efforts toward peace and progress in Kashmir.”
Ackermann acknowledged the wave of international sympathy that followed the attack, reaffirming that “a significant amount of solidarity has poured out for India.”
Calling for Calm Amid Rising Tensions
In his comments, Ackermann also highlighted the need for restraint and diplomacy in the aftermath of the violence. “As a diplomat, I believe the best way forward is through the language of diplomacy. Both India and Pakistan are aware that de-escalation is the need of the hour,” he said, when asked about rising tensions and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on May 7.
Earlier Condolences on Social Media
Shortly after the attack, Ambassador Ackermann had expressed his grief and condemnation in a post on social media. “We strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam. We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones. My sincere condolences to the people of India,” he wrote.
Background: What Happened in Pahalgam
On April 22, suspected terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying tourists near Pahalgam, a well-known scenic spot in south Kashmir. The massacre left at least 26 civilians dead and several injured. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting and destroying nine terrorist infrastructure facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed global concern over the region’s fragile security situation.
