Pahalgam Terror Attack: PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit, Holds Urgent Meeting Upon Arrival in New Delhi

Pahalgam Terror Attack: In a swiftly coordinated response to the tragic terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to New Delhi early on Wednesday morning. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left several others injured, marked one of the deadliest terrorist strikes in the region since the abrogation of Article 370.

Upon arrival in New Delhi, PM Modi immediately convened a high-level meeting at the airport. The meeting, which took place in a secure room at the airport, included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. BJP leader Sashanka Chakraborty posted on social media, highlighting the urgency with which the Prime Minister responded: “PM @narendramodi ji immediately after landing didn’t even sit on his car. He went straight to some security room in the airport itself to review the situation with NSA, EAM & other officers!”

PM @narendramodi ji immediately after landing didn't even sit on his car. He went straight to some security room in airport itself to review the situation with NSA,EAM & other officers! pic.twitter.com/DDmvg4iIxU

— Sashanka Chakraborty (@SashankGuw) April 23, 2025

A Sudden Change in Schedule

PM Modi was initially scheduled to return from his trip to Saudi Arabia on Thursday night, but the attack prompted him to abruptly cut his visit short. He had been in Jeddah to participate in bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and to co-chair the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). However, the news of the attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, led to his swift departure.

The Prime Minister had been meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, where the two leaders discussed ways to bolster their countries’ cooperation in areas ranging from trade to security. The two also reviewed the progress under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) and exchanged views on regional and global issues.

Saudi Arabia Condemns the Attack

The terror attack in Pahalgam drew swift condemnation from global leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and reiterated his commitment to combatting terrorism. Both PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince vowed to work together to fight terrorism in all its forms.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the details of the meeting between the two leaders: “HRH Crown Prince strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack in Pahalgam and offered deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost. The two leaders resolved to combat terrorism tooth and nail.”

The Ministry also released a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “PM @narendramodi and Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman held extensive talks & co-chaired the 2nd India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah at the Royal Palace. HRH Crown Prince strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack & expressed his deepest condolences on the innocent lives lost.”

The Road Ahead

The tragic events in Pahalgam have once again highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. In the wake of the attack, both India and Saudi Arabia have expressed their unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. PM Modi’s swift response underscores the Indian government’s resolve to address terrorism and uphold the safety of its citizens, especially those visiting the region.

As investigations into the attack continue, the international community remains united in its stance against terrorism, with countries like Saudi Arabia offering their full support to India in its efforts to combat this growing menace.

The Pahalgam terror attack serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, but it also highlights the unity between India and its international partners, like Saudi Arabia, in the fight against terrorism. PM Modi’s decisive actions, both in cutting short his visit and coordinating with key officials upon his return, reflect the seriousness with which India addresses such national security threats. The world watches closely as India and its allies continue their battle against terror and work towards ensuring peace in the region.