New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to India early, cutting short his official visit to Saudi Arabia following the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives. Originally scheduled to return Wednesday night, PM Modi landed in New Delhi early this morning and is set to chair a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting today to assess the escalating security crisis.
The attack, which targeted tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam—often dubbed “mini Switzerland”—has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Saudi Arabia and the United States. Terrorists opened fire on civilians engaged in leisurely activities, marking the worst such incident since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval had briefed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the situation. “His Royal Highness condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India,” Khan said, adding that both nations remain committed to counter-terrorism cooperation.
US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences via Truth Social, affirming America’s support: “We stand strong with India against terrorism. Our hearts are with the families of the victims.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah flew into Srinagar late last night, immediately meeting with top officials including DGP Nalin Prabhat, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, and CM Omar Abdullah. In his statement, Omar Abdullah called the attack “an abomination” and said it was the worst civilian-targeted assault in recent memory.
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