PM Modi Briefed on Pahalgam Terror Attack at Delhi Airport After Cutting Short Saudi Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level briefing at Delhi airport early Wednesday after returning from Saudi Arabia, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early Wednesday to take stock of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead and several others injured. Upon arrival, PM Modi was briefed by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport.
A Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting is scheduled to be held at 11 am today to deliberate on the situation and India’s response.
Condemning the attack, PM Modi on Tuesday said on X, “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest.”
He added, “All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Srinagar on Tuesday night to oversee the security response. He was briefed by Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General Nalin Prabhat and senior officials
Shah earlier informed the Prime Minister about the situation and vowed strict action against the perpetrators, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF).
The attack occurred while PM Modi was visiting Saudi Arabia to co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Modi postponed his scheduled engagements, including an official dinner, to return home early.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance is on a three-day visit to India. The timing of the attack during these key diplomatic interactions has added urgency to India’s internal and external security consultations.
Tuesday’s attack marks the deadliest strike on civilians in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists in Baisaran valley near Pahalgam around 2:30 pm.
The attackers, dressed in military fatigues, killed both Indian and foreign tourists. Intelligence agencies have raised concerns over potential traps laid for security forces, prompting a cautious combing operation in the area.
The CCS meeting later today is expected to chart India’s strategic and operational response. A large-scale search operation is ongoing in the region, with enhanced deployment of security forces.
The central and J&K governments have assured the public and families of the victims of swift justice and intensified counter-terror operations.
