PM Modi Returns To Delhi; Holds Emergency Briefing After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level briefing with top security and foreign policy officials soon after landing in Delhi early Wednesday, following a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The meeting took place at the Palam Airport and included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials.

The session focused on the immediate response and security measures following the attack.

PM Modi cut short his two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia – extended by invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – and returned ahead of schedule.

The Prime Minister skipped an official dinner hosted by the Saudi leadership and flew back to India earlier than planned.

PM Modi advanced his return to early Wednesday morning due to the developments in Pahalgam, instead of his originally scheduled late-night arrival.

Prior to his return, the Prime Minister condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would face justice.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”

Sitharaman Cuts Short Foreign Trip After Pahalgam Attack

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also curtailed her overseas engagements and returned to India.

She was visiting the US and Peru at the time and cut short her trip in response to what is being described as one of the most significant terror attacks in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation around the Baisran area in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, to locate the attackers.

The incident, which targeted tourists, has provoked national outrage.

Political leaders across party lines have condemned the violence, while locals in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara, held candlelight marches.

In Jammu, Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest, and a similar candlelight demonstration took place in Khod village in the Akhoor area, denouncing the attack.

The Government has not yet released official figures regarding the number of casualties in the incident.

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