In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, members of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. and the U.K., along with other countries, have organized protests to condemn the violence and show solidarity with the victims and their families. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including tourists, has sparked widespread outrage and grief within the Indian community worldwide.
Across the United States, Indian community members gathered to express their sorrow and demand justice for the heinous act. Demonstrations and vigils were held in major cities, with participants carrying Indian flags and banners condemning terrorism. Many protesters emphasized the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism and called on their respective governments to hold those responsible accountable. Community leaders addressed the crowds, highlighting the pain and suffering caused by the attack and urging unity in the face of adversity.
In the United Kingdom, the Indian diaspora organized a large protest outside the Pakistani High Commission in London. Over 500 people reportedly participated, chanting anti-terrorism slogans and demanding an end to cross-border terrorism. The protestors directly accused Pakistan of supporting terror groups. Some protestors carried placards reading "I am Hindu," as reported by the Times of India. Tensions flared, and counter-protests emerged, involving members of the Pakistani diaspora. There were reports of scuffles between pro-Pakistan and pro-India groups, and Pakistani media reported that the Pakistan High Commission was vandalized following the protests, leading to arrests. A Pakistani military official's gesture of making a throat-slitting motion towards Indian demonstrators further fueled the controversy.
The protests in the U.S. and the U.K. are part of a global wave of demonstrations by the Indian diaspora. Similar protests have been held in Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Spain, Australia, and Nepal. In Paris, protesters gathered near the Eiffel Tower, accusing Pakistan of harboring terror groups. In Melbourne, Australia, protesters waved Indian flags and demanded justice. These demonstrations highlight the strong sense of unity and shared grief among the Indian diaspora, as well as their determination to raise awareness about the issue of terrorism and advocate for peace and justice.
The Indian government has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a charge that Pakistan denies. India has taken several diplomatic steps, including scaling down diplomatic ties and suspending participation in the Indus Waters Treaty. These actions have heightened tensions between the two countries, with concerns of further escalation. The international community has largely condemned the attack, with many countries expressing solidarity with India and offering support in the fight against terrorism. The United States has stated its support for India, with President Trump and intelligence officials condemning the attack and offering assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The recent terror attack and the subsequent protests have brought the issue of Kashmir to the forefront of international attention. The attack has shattered the Indian government's narrative of normalcy in the region, and experts say that the government's heavy-handed approach has further alienated Kashmiris. The situation remains tense, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops along the Line of Control. The protests by the Indian diaspora in the U.S., the U.K., and other countries serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Kashmir.