A Nepali national was among at least 26 people killed when militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Sudip Neupane from Kalikanagar of ward 11 of Butwal Sub-metropolitan City in Rupandehi district, confirmed Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba in a post on X on Wednesday.

His mother, who was accompanying him, sustained injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment. The family had travelled to the region for a holiday.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a Nepali citizen lost his life and another sustained injuries in the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” said Foreign Minister Rana.

She added that Nepal is in close contact with Indian authorities, and the embassy in New Delhi is facilitating necessary support.

The incident, which occurred in an off-the-road meadow, is described as the worst terrorist attack on civilians in nearly two decades, Reuters reported.

The ‘Kashmir Resistance,’ a little-known militant group, claimed responsibility for the assault via a social media post. The group said it was protesting the settlement of over 85,000 ‘outsiders’ in the region, which they claim is changing the demographic makeup of Jammu and Kashmir.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday strongly condemned the barbaric attack. In a statement, the ministry expressed deep sorrow, offered condolences to the families of the victims, and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“Nepal unequivocally condemns the barbaric terrorist attack on innocent tourists. We stand in steadfast solidarity with the government and people of India in this time of sorrow,” the ministry said, adding that it is in contact with Indian authorities for further updates.

President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Foreign Minister Deuba expressed condolences on social media, calling the attack senseless and inhumane. They reaffirmed Nepal’s position against terrorism in all forms and extended support to India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi on Wednesday in response to the attack. Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman also shortened her international trip to return home.

This is the deadliest attack targeting civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which had killed over 160 people. Attacks on tourists in Kashmir are rare; the last major incident occurred in June 2024, when nine Hindu pilgrims were killed and 33 injured after militants attacked a bus, Reuters said.