Pahalgam attack: ‘MEA says attack came in wake of 'successful elections, economic growth and development’

Pahalgam attack News live: Kashmiri traders hold a candlelight vigil to condemn the attack on tourists, following a suspected militant attack near Pahalgam, in Srinagar April 23, 2025.

Pahalgam attack: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning after cutting his Saudi trip short due to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. He had a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, and foreign secretary Vikram Misri at the airport.

At least 26 tourists have been killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Pahalgam's Baisaran in Jammu and Kashmir. Gunshots were heard in the area, following which security forces rushed there.

Initial reports suggested a possible terror attack at a site frequented by tourists, the police said. Security forces have been rushed to the area, and an operation is currently underway, reported PTI.

The incident occurred at around 3 pm when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place, which is often dubbed as 'mini Switzerland' because of its long, lush green meadows.

Authorities pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured persons, the officials said, adding some of the injured were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies.

The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration issued helpline numbers - Emergency Control Room – Srinagar: 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, Adil Fareed, ADC Srinagar – 7006058623.

Pahalgam terror attack: Top latest developments

• At least 20 tourists were injured in the terrorist attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

• PM Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi early Wednesday morning after cutting short his official trip to Saudi Arabia. He skipped the official dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia and decided to return earlier than planned. According to Government of India sources, he was initially scheduled to return tomorrow night but arrived early on Wednesday morning.

• Modi strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday, stating that the guilty will be brought to justice and reaffirming India’s “unshakable” resolve to fight terrorism.

• Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spoke to home minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, and Congress' J&K unit president Tariq Karra on Wednesday about the horrific Pahalgam attack. He said, “Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation.” He added, "The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support."

• US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among world leaders who condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, expressing solidarity with India.

• In a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Trump strongly condemned the terror attack, offering full support to bring the perpetrators of the "heinous attack" to justice.

• Following the attack, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman decided to cut short her official visit to the US and Peru and will return to India at the earliest, according to an official statement released on Wednesday. Sitharaman had arrived in the US on Sunday for a six-day visit and was supposed to travel to Peru afterwards for a five-day trip.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Modi, has decided on five key measures in the aftermath of the attack. They are:

(i) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

(ii) The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025.

(iii) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

(iv) The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

(v) The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025.