India condemns ‘heinous’ attack that killed 8 in Jordan church, reaffirms ‘fight against terrorism’

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said India stood with the government and people of Jordan during the difficult hour.

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India strongly condemned a deadly shooting at a church in Jordan’s Karak that killed eight people and injured 34 others during a funeral on Friday. On Saturday, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences to the victims’ families.

“India unequivocally condemns the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan on 23rd October 2026, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others,” Jaiswal shared a statement by the MEA.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery. He also reaffirmed India’s solidarity with the Jordanian government and people. “We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the statement read.

Jaishankar condemns attack

External affairs minister S Jaishankar also condemned the shooting. On X, Jaishankar said India stood firmly with the government and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan during the difficult hour.

"Deeply shocked at the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan yesterday, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured.

India stands firmly with the Government and the friendly people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this difficult hour. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he wrote on X.

Gunmen open fire during funeral

On Friday, gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, around 180 kilometres from Jordan’s capital, Amman. The attack left seven people dead and 34 others wounded, AP reported.

Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television reportedly showed two gunmen approaching the church and firing pistols, followed by a third individual who appeared to be carrying a semiautomatic rifle. The attackers were then seen moving towards the church.

A government statement described the shooting as an attack carried out by unknown assailants and said investigations were progressing rapidly, HT reported earlier.

Jordan vows tough action

Jordan’s King Abdullah II condemned the attack andsaid the country would confront the “terrorist act” targeting Karak with the harshest penalties. He also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery, as per AP.

The shooting drew condemnation from several countries across the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Oman. Iraq also expressed solidarity with Jordan in its fight against terrorism.

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