PM returns to India following terrorist attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to cut short his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia following the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 28 people, including two foreign nationals. The Prime Minister, who left for Jeddah on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, was scheduled to hold high-level talks and sign key MoUs with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, following the tragic incident, Modi will return to India early on Wednesday morning to address the situation.

In a heartfelt statement, PM Modi offered his deepest condolences to the victims and their families. “We pray for the souls of those lost, and for the recovery of the injured,” he said. His early return underscores the gravity of the attack, which marks one of the deadliest in the region in recent years. Several others were injured he said. His early return underscores the gravity of the attack, which marks one of the deadliest in the region in recent years. Several others were injured in the explosion, and the area remains on high alert as investigations continue.

World leaders have voiced their solidarity with India. Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the attack “deeply disturbing,” and affirmed that “the United States stands strong with India against terrorism.” Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, denouncing the attack as a “brutal crime” with “no justification whatsoever.”

The visit to Saudi Arabia, which was expected to deepen bilateral ties and finalize at least six memoranda of understanding across various sectors, has now been interrupted by this national crisis. While diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Riyadh are expected to continue, the focus for now remains on addressing the terror incident and supporting those affected.