Indian Security Experts Recommend Investigating Pakistan's Alleged Support for Extremist Groups in Russia

Defense News ,India :- Prime Minister Narendra Modi unequivocally condemned the recent terror assault in the Moscow region, extending India's unwavering support to the Russian government and its people during this distressing period.

A large concert hall in the Moscow region fell victim to a vicious terrorist attack on Friday night, as assailants unleashed gunfire on the crowd, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 90 lives, with over 100 individuals sustaining injuries. The perpetrators further exacerbated the situation by setting fire to the venue, prompting heightened security measures in Moscow and adjacent areas, leading to the cancellation of mass gatherings.

In a statement, Modi denounced the barbaric act, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. He reiterated India's solidarity with the Russian Federation, emphasizing the nation's steadfast commitment to stand by its ally in confronting such challenges.

Earlier in the week, Modi had conveyed his congratulations to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election. Subsequently, the two leaders engaged in a comprehensive discussion encompassing economic, energy, and connectivity initiatives, underscoring the robust counter-terrorism partnership shared between India and Russia.

While reports have surfaced alleging the ISIS's claim of responsibility for the attack through social media channels, the Russian government has refrained from attributing the incident to any specific terrorist organization. However, Moscow has been alerting the international community about the potential role of ISIS in Eurasian regions, given its history of combatting the group's influence in Syria.

Nevertheless, conflicting narratives have emerged, with some Russian security analysts implicating Ukraine or Ukrainian-extremist elements in the assault. Notably, Sergei Goncharov, a seasoned member of the Russian Alpha anti-terrorism unit, pointed fingers at Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov for orchestrating the attack. Conversely, an advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Mikhail Podolyak, denied any involvement from Kiev's end.

Addressing the situation, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) head Aleksandr Bortnikov briefed President Putin on the detention of eleven suspects linked to the Crocus City Hall attack.

Amidst these developments, sources have suggested that Russian authorities investigate the potential influence of Pakistani radicals on the perpetrators of the terror strike. With a rising number of Pakistani nationals in Russia for educational or trade purposes, concerns have been raised regarding the presence of radical elements among them. Strengthening visa protocols and scrutinizing the socio-academic background of Pakistani visa applicants are proposed as essential measures to curb the proliferation of extremist ideologies within Russia.

The swift condemnation and expressions of solidarity from Prime Minister Modi underscore India's commitment to global security and cooperation, as nations unite in the face of terrorism's grave threats.