PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit; Returns to India Amid Pahalgam Attack

In a swift response to the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi truncated his official visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India on April 22, 2025. The attack, which occurred on April 21, claimed the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and left over 20 others injured.

Attack Details

The attack unfolded in the Baisaran Valley, a well-known tourist hotspot near Pahalgam. Gunmen, believed to be members of the militant group “The Resistance Front” (TRF)—a faction of Lashkar-e-Taiba—opened fire on a group of tourists. Reports from survivors indicated that the attackers forced victims to recite Islamic verses before opening fire, targeting those who failed to comply. The TRF took responsibility for the attack, citing their opposition to demographic changes in the region due to the settlement of outsiders.

Prime Minister’s Immediate Response

Upon receiving news of the attack, Prime Minister Modi promptly canceled his planned engagements in Saudi Arabia, including an official dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He returned to India on the night of April 22 and held an emergency meeting in New Delhi with key officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, to evaluate the situation and formulate a response. Modi conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families, assuring the nation that those responsible for the attack would face justice. He also reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism.

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Meeting

On April 23, PM Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to discuss the implications of the attack and plan a strategic response. The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Sitharaman, who was on an official visit to the U.S., was en route back to India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a firm statement, vowing to pursue the perpetrators and their backers, stating, “We will not only trace those who perpetrated this incident, but also reach out to those behind the scenes who conspired to carry out this nefarious act on Indian soil.” Earlier that day, Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site in Pahalgam, as well as the hospital where the injured were being treated.

Government’s Actions

In the wake of the attack, the Indian government took several immediate steps:

• Security Measures: A large-scale manhunt was initiated to apprehend those responsible. Security forces were deployed to the region to ensure public safety and prevent further attacks.

• Diplomatic Measures: India accused Pakistan of harboring cross-border terrorism, a claim that Pakistan denied. In retaliation, India closed its primary land border with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and recalled its diplomats from Islamabad.

• Tourism Impact: Following the attack, there was a significant exodus of tourists from the region. Airlines increased their flight operations to accommodate the surge, and the government intervened to prevent price gouging.

International Condemnation

The attack garnered widespread condemnation from the international community. Leaders from around the world, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, expressed their solidarity with India and strongly condemned the act of terrorism.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam attack stands as one of the deadliest recent assaults on civilians in India. The government’s rapid and decisive response highlights its resolve to combat terrorism and safeguard its citizens. As investigations continue, the international community remains united with India in its fight against terrorism.