Across India, political leaders on Wednesday marked the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, paying heartfelt tributes to the victims and saluting the courage of the security personnel who sacrificed their lives during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history.
The solemn messages shared by leaders recalled not just the horror of the attacks, but also the resilience of the nation, the bravery of ordinary citizens, and India’s unwavering commitment to fighting terrorism.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the day stands as a reminder of both grief and courage. In a post on X, he wrote: “My humble tribute to the brave soldiers and common citizens who were martyred in the dussahasi terrorist attack in Mumbai on 26/11. India will never forget their courage, sacrifice, and martyrdom.”
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reflected on the loss of innocent lives and praised the heroic role of security forces. “On this very day in 2008, we lost many of our loved ones due to the cowardly acts of terrorists in Mumbai,” he wrote, emphasizing that India today stands united with a policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar described 26/11 as a “cowardly terrorist attack” on India’s financial capital. He said the security forces fought the attackers with “unparalleled courage, fortitude, and valor,” adding that the sacrifices made by civilians and soldiers would remain “etched in memory” forever. He also paid respects to the “brave sons of Mother India” who died defending the nation.
BJP national president JP Nadda also offered his respects, saying he bowed to the soldiers, police personnel and civilians who made the supreme sacrifice. He highlighted that while many innocent lives were lost, security personnel displayed “extraordinary courage and valor”. Nadda added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains firm in its stance of zero tolerance toward terrorism.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal echoed similar sentiments, offering a “humble” tribute and thanking the fallen for their courage and dedication.
This year marks 17 years since ten terrorists from Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba unleashed coordinated attacks across Mumbai, killing 166 people and injuring more than 300. The terrorists targeted multiple locations including the Taj and Oberoi hotels, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Nariman House, Cama Hospital, Metro Cinema and Leopold Cafe.
Official commemorations were held across Mumbai. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that NSG Mumbai is organising a memorial and pledge ceremony at the Gateway of India under the theme ‘Neverever’, featuring displays honouring those who lost their lives. Eleven colleges and twenty-six schools are also holding pledge-taking events, and the Gateway will be lit up in tricolour as a mark of respect.
