Gunmen opened fire at concert goers at Crocus City Hall in the outskirts of Moscow, Russia on Friday night, killing around 60 people and injuring over 140. The concert hall that has a capacity of over 6000 was said to be full when armed men in camouflage began firing at people and later set the building on fire.

Islamic State (IS) is said to have claimed responsibility for the attack. There has so far been no statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On 7th March 2024, the Embassy of the United States in Russia had advised US citizens in Moscow to “avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours” stating that it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts”.

In the wake of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India strongly condemns the “heinous terrorist attack” in Moscow. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief,” he wrote in his message on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge too condemned the “dastardly terrorist attack on innocent people” and stated that “Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity and peace”.

“Our heart goes out to the families of the victims and in this hour of sorrow, we strongly stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Russia and the Russian Federation”, Kharge wrote.

“The Secretary-General conveys his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the people and the Government of the Russian Federation,” said UN Secretary General Antonio Gutteres’ Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq. “He wishes those injured a speedy recovery.”

The United Nations Security Council also condemned “the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack” in a press statement.

“This reprehensible act of terrorism resulted in the grievous loss of dozens of lives,” the members stated while expressing their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Russian people.

The Council members reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security and underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice.

They also urged all States to cooperate actively with the Russian Government as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.