PM Modi cuts short Saudi visit, returns after deadly J-K terror attack; holds high-level meet at airport

A deadly terror attack rocked Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, including tourists from other states, two foreign nationals—from the UAE and Nepal—and two local residents. 

Several others were injured in the attack, which is the deadliest in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The attack targeted a prime tourist destination in south Kashmir, sparking nationwide outrage and urgent calls for enhanced security.

PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Visit, Meets NSA and Ministers on Arrival

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately curtailed his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia and departed from Jeddah on Tuesday night, a day earlier than scheduled. He skipped the official dinner and returned to New Delhi late Tuesday. 

Upon arrival at the airport on Wednesday morning, Modi held a high-level meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation and coordinate India’s response.

India-Saudi Strategic Talks Wrap Up Early Amid Crisis

Before his early departure, Modi held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and co-chaired the Strategic Partnership Council.

Both leaders condemned the attack and reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combat terrorism. They also agreed to form two new ministerial committees, including one focused on defence, and collaborate on setting up two refineries in India.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Jammu and Kashmir to spearhead on-ground security measures in the wake of the attack, which has raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians and tourists in the region.

(With PTI Inputs)