Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning, cutting short his two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Originally scheduled to return on Wednesday night, the Prime Minister advanced his travel plans after the attack occurred on Tuesday.
Upon arrival at the Palam airport, PM Modi convened an emergency meeting with key officials, including External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials to assess the situation and formulate a response.
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister strongly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
In a post on X, he said: “I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected.”
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
Strategic Talks in Jeddah
Prior to his early departure, PM Modi held high-level discussions in Jeddah with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), where they reviewed progress under the SPC framework and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The Crown Prince also strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and conveyed his condolences for the innocent lives lost. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms.
They discussed avenues to deepen ties in defence, trade, energy, investment, and people-to-people connections. They also exchanged views on key regional and global issues, including collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). The leaders welcomed the expansion of the SPC with the addition of two new Ministerial Committees focused on Defence Cooperation and Tourism & Culture.
Muslim World League Voices Support
In a separate meeting in Jeddah, PM Modi met with Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League. Sheikh Al-Issa condemned the “ghastly terror attack” and offered his condolences for the lives lost.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the role of the Muslim World League in promoting tolerant values, advocating moderation, and advancing social cohesion and harmony, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.
“The Prime Minister recalled his meeting with the Secretary General in July 2023 in New Delhi. He appreciated the role of the Muslim World League in promoting tolerant values, advocating moderation and advancing social cohesion and harmony,” the MEA statement said.
“Recalling India’s age-old philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam [the World is one Family], Prime Minister noted that India, as a multicultural, multi-lingual, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, celebrates unity in diversity. India’s incredible diversity is a valuable strength that has given shape to its vibrant society and polity. He commended the firm stand of Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence,” it added.
The meeting was also attended by EAM Jaishankar, NSA Doval, and senior MEA officials.
(With ANI inputs)
