A special exhibition, organised by the High Commission of India in London, commemorated the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 along with other incidents that cost irreparable losses of life. Titled ‘The Human Cost of Terrorism’, the display at the National Liberal Club featured impactful imagery and digital installations highlighting major attacks in India, such as the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Pahalgam strikes, as well as other incidents in the UK and globally.
The event emphasised the message that “terrorism anywhere is terrorism everywhere,” underscoring the need for a unified international response. In his address, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the UK, reflected on the shared human impact of terrorism and called for collective action by open, democratic societies. He said, “We mark 26/11 as a day to remember the human cost of terrorism, bearing in mind the events of November 2008, when the city of Mumbai came under attack.
“It is a human story. It is a story that is not an Indian story alone. It is something we share with our friends in the United Kingdom. Acts of terror have happened here, equally brutal, equally sudden, and with equal impact upon ordinary life.
“And I think it's important that we remember that the only way in which all civilised societies can deal with these crimes is to be able to act collectively,” he said.
H.E. Vikram Doraiswami emphasised that open democracies such as India and the UK possess the resilience and determination necessary to effectively address terrorism.
“We are open societies, we are democracies, and we will find a way of dealing with these matters in the best way that is necessary to take action and to stop these monsters,” he added.
Former UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat recounted his visit to Mumbai after the attacks, noting the importance of global solidarity and shared lessons in confronting terrorism.
The exhibition also highlighted India’s contributions to international counter-terrorism efforts, including support for the United Nations’ programme on countering the financing of terrorism.
Photo courtesy: HCI London
