India has long been a victim of terrorism, and the country understands the pain, fear, and suffering that such violence brings. This strong message was delivered by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri while addressing an International Holocaust Remembrance Day event held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Drawing a clear parallel between the October 2023 terror attack by Hamas on Israel and India’s own experiences, Misri said that India is “too familiar with such mindless brutality.” His remarks were seen as a reference to India’s long struggle against cross-border terrorism, including the deadly terrorist attack in April 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 innocent people lost their lives.
Speaking before diplomats, officials, and members of the international community, Misri said that whenever any nation suffers a terrorist attack, India can immediately relate to their pain. He recalled the horrifying events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants carried out a large-scale attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 Israeli civilians and abducting hundreds of others.
“India is unfortunately too familiar with such mindless brutality, having been a victim of cross-border terrorism ourselves. We empathise immediately with those who undergo the same tragedy,” the Foreign Secretary said.
Misri reminded the audience that India had strongly and clearly condemned the Hamas attack from the very beginning. He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of solidarity with Israel during that difficult time.
“This is why we not only condemned this horrific terrorist attack and the taking of hostages, but our Prime Minister clearly stated that India stands with the people of Israel in the fight against terrorism,” Misri added.
The Foreign Secretary said India’s position on terrorism has always been clear and consistent. Terrorism, he stressed, must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations, without any justification or double standards.
While speaking on the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Misri also highlighted why remembering history is important, especially in today’s world where hate and violence continue to exist.
He said the Holocaust did not begin with gas chambers or mass killings. Instead, it began much earlier with words and attitudes.
“The Holocaust did not begin with the extinguishing of life. It began with words, words of hatred, words of dehumanisation, words of exclusion,” Misri said.
He warned that when prejudice becomes normal, discrimination becomes accepted, and silence replaces moral courage, society moves closer to violence and crimes against humanity. According to him, the lessons of the Holocaust are not just about the past but are deeply relevant even today.
Misri said that remembering the victims of the Holocaust is not only an act of respect but also a moral responsibility for future generations. Such remembrance, he explained, ensures that humanity remains alert against hatred, intolerance, and violence.
“It began when prejudice was normalised. When discrimination was institutionalised. And when silence replaced conscience,” he said.
He added that remembering the victims is important not only for the tragedy they suffered, but also to ensure that such crimes against humanity never happen again.
“These acts of remembrance are acts of moral courage. They ensure that ‘never again’ is not just a slogan, but a solemn responsibility,” the Foreign Secretary stated.
Misri also paid heartfelt tribute to Holocaust survivors, acknowledging their strength and resilience. He said that despite facing unimaginable suffering, survivors chose life, hope, and resilience.
“On this occasion, we also pay tribute to the survivors who endured unimaginable suffering yet chose life and chose resilience,” he said.
Turning back to current global conflicts, Misri reaffirmed India’s principled stand on peace and stability in West Asia. He said that while terrorism must be condemned without hesitation, India has always supported genuine and sincere efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Referring to recent developments, Misri spoke about the Gaza Peace Plan led by the United States, which aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the region.
He said that the ceasefire and the release of hostages have brought much-needed relief to families who were waiting anxiously for their loved ones.
“The ceasefire and the release of hostages have brought immense relief, as hostages are reunited with their families,” Misri said.
He expressed hope that such efforts would continue and lead to a peaceful, stable, and long-term solution to conflicts in West Asia.
Through his speech, the Foreign Secretary sent a clear message that India stands firmly against terrorism, stands with victims of terror, and believes strongly in remembering history so that humanity does not repeat its darkest mistakes.
