Jaishankar speaks to Australian counterpart on Sydney terror attack: 'Conveyed our deepest condolences'

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting Israel and the UAE for bilateral consultations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke to his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, and conveyed India's condolences over Sydney's Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 innocent people were killed.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Just spoke to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday proposed tougher national gun laws after a mass shooting targeted a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach, leaving at least 15 people dead.

Just spoke to Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong.

Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 15, 2025

Albanese said he would propose new restrictions, including limiting the number of guns a licensed owner can obtain. His proposals were announced after the authorities revealed that the older of the two gunmen - who were a father and son - had amassed his six guns legally.

“The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary. Included in that is the need for tougher gun laws,” Albanese told reporters.

According to New South Wales Police, the attack took place as families were marking the first night of Hanukkah, with gunfire reported near Archer Park close to Bondi Beach, CNN reported.

In the immediate aftermath, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies advised people to "stay home or remain in shelter" and announced the closure of all events and communal institutions.

New South Wales State Premier Chris Minns said the shooting deliberately targeted Sydney's Jewish community.

What should have been a "night of peace and joy" was instead "shattered by this horrifying, evil attack," he said, adding, "Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight."

Minns also praised a man seen in videos circulating online who wrestled a firearm away from one of the attackers.

"It's the most unbelievable scene I've ever seen, a man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless others," Minns said in a press conference.