In a strong show of urgency and leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India early on Wednesday morning, cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia, to take stock of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, including foreign nationals.

Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Prime Minister Modi convened a high-level security briefing directly at the airport. The meeting included National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The primary agenda of the meeting was to assess the security situation, understand the early findings from intelligence agencies, and chart out an appropriate response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir.

The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, targeted a popular tourist destination in Anantnag district and resulted in the brutal killing of 26 civilians. The victims included two foreign nationals—one from the United Arab Emirates and another from Nepal—along with two local residents. The attack is being labeled as one of the deadliest incidents targeting tourists in the region in recent history. Several others were seriously injured, many of whom are now under medical care at facilities in Anantnag and Srinagar.

Reacting promptly, Prime Minister Modi returned from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was scheduled for a series of bilateral meetings and economic engagements. His decision to immediately return reflects the seriousness of the incident and his government's commitment to dealing with terrorism decisively.

Key Meeting Outcomes: During the airport security briefing, the focus was on the current intelligence inputs, the response plan, and India’s international diplomatic outreach following the killing of foreign nationals. NSA Doval provided a comprehensive analysis of the possible groups behind the attack, their cross-border connections, and the status of ongoing operations in Anantnag and surrounding regions.

EAM Jaishankar, meanwhile, briefed the Prime Minister on the status of diplomatic engagement with the UAE and Nepal, assuring full cooperation and condolences were extended to the families of the deceased foreign nationals. India is also working closely with these countries to ensure transparency in investigation and repatriation of remains.

Home Minister Amit Shah’s Role: In a parallel move, Home Minister Amit Shah was dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir where he has taken direct charge of the security response. Shah is overseeing the counter-terror operations that have been launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam, where the attack took place. Intelligence agencies are working round-the-clock to identify the perpetrators, and preliminary inputs suggest the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits.

Security across Jammu and Kashmir, especially tourist zones and pilgrimage routes, has been significantly heightened. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indian Army units are conducting door-to-door combing operations and aerial surveillance in sensitive pockets.

Political Reactions and Diplomatic Signals: The government’s swift and robust response comes amidst rising political pressure. Opposition leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have also spoken to Home Minister Shah and called for justice for the victims while urging for national unity to combat terrorism. The ruling dispensation has been clear that no compromise will be made on India’s internal security, and those responsible for the attack will face retribution.

Diplomatic sources indicate that India may raise the issue at international forums, especially given the killing of foreign citizens on Indian soil by what are presumed to be foreign-sponsored terrorists. New Delhi is likely to leverage global platforms to highlight the continuing menace of cross-border terrorism, especially emanating from Pakistan.

Civilian and Public Sentiment: The horrific nature of the attack has deeply disturbed the public consciousness. Social media is abuzz with calls for justice, and various communities across India have conducted candlelight vigils, peace marches, and prayer meetings for the departed souls. The Pahalgam attack has triggered emotional and patriotic sentiments, bringing security back into sharp national focus.

Conclusion: The terror attack in Pahalgam has once again spotlighted the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly targeting civilians and tourists. PM Modi’s immediate return from abroad, and the high-level strategic meeting held at the airport itself, underscore the severity with which the Indian government is treating this incident. With Amit Shah leading on-ground operations and intelligence efforts intensifying, the nation now waits for swift justice and a clear demonstration of India’s resolve to eliminate the terror threat from its soil.

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