New Delhi: In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead, including one Nepalese national, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held an important meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM, on Monday.
The meeting follows a briefing by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan on key strategic decisions taken to counter Pakistan’s involvement in the attack. On April 22, terrorists opened fire in Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, targeting tourists and leaving 26 dead, marking one of the deadliest attacks since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The attack occurred around 2 pm, sending shockwaves across the nation.
This high-level meeting also comes three days after an all-party meeting was held in Parliament, chaired by Rajnath Singh, to discuss the implications of the attack. The government, already in action, has intensified its response. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been stationed at the site since April 23, leading searches for vital evidence, while the Indian Army remains on high alert, executing multiple operations to neutralize terrorists linked to the attack.
Following the attack, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened on April 23, condemning the act in the strongest terms and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. It was also noted that the terrorist attack was a reaction to the successful elections held in the Union Territory, as well as the region’s steady progress toward economic development.
In a significant diplomatic response, India announced the withdrawal of its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effective from May 1, 2025. Along with the Advisors, five support staff members will also be withdrawn, reducing the overall staff of the High Commissions to 30, down from 55.
