Deadly Bondi beach attack: India stands in solidarity with Australia

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday conveyed India’s “fullest support” to Australia following a deadly terror shooting at Bondi Beach , a world-famous tourist destination located barely seven kilometres from Sydney’s city centre, that targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring over 40 others .

Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most crowded and iconic public spaces, attracts millions of local and international visitors every year and is a short drive from Sydney’s central business district. The attack at such a high-profile location has heightened shock and concern across the country.

In a telephone conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong , Jaishankar expressed deep condolences over the loss of innocent lives and reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Australia in the wake of the attack. “Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support,” Jaishankar said in a social media post.

The attack, which took place on Sunday evening, has been described by Australian authorities as a targeted act of religious terrorism against the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah , a festival traditionally marked by joy and prayer. Investigators have indicated that the assault appears to be ideologically motivated, with security agencies probing possible extremist, including Islamist, links behind the violence. Hours after the incident, Jaishankar condemned the attack in the strongest terms, saying India’s thoughts were with the victims and their families.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

termed the incident a “dark moment” for the nation, saying security agencies were working round the clock to identify all those linked to the outrage. “This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on a day meant for celebration of faith,” Albanese said, underlining the seriousness of the assault.

As the investigation progressed, authorities identified the attackers as father-and-son duo Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram . Police shot dead Sajid Akram at the scene, while Naveed Akram , who sustained injuries, is hospitalised under guard . Officials said the assailants used high-powered firearms , with investigators examining whether an automatic or semi-automatic weapon with high firing capacity was involved, given the scale of casualties . The exact nature of the weapon is under forensic examination. The probe is also focusing on possible extremist links, the planning behind the attack, and whether the duo was part of a wider network, amid heightened concern over a recent surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among global leaders who strongly condemned the attack, reiterating India’s zero tolerance towards terrorism . “We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief,” Modi said, extending condolences on behalf of the people of India and pledging continued support in the fight against all forms of terrorism.