Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, on Monday, following a series of developments in the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
This meeting comes a day after Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, briefed the Defence Minister on crucial decisions taken to counter Pakistan’s role in the attack. The discussion also follows the all-party meeting held three days earlier at Parliament, chaired by Defence Minister Singh, to address the consequences of the tragic incident.
The terror attack, which took place on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including tourists and a Nepalese national. The attack, which occurred around 2 p.m., is one of the deadliest in the region since the 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.
In response, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been stationed at the attack site since April 23, intensifying their search for evidence. The Indian Army remains on high alert, with multiple operations launched to neutralize the terrorists involved in the attack.
On April 23, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) condemned the attack in the strongest terms, expressing condolences for the victims and their families. The committee also highlighted the cross-border connections of the attack, which came after successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the region’s growing economic development.
As part of the government’s response, India has decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The posts are deemed annulled, with five support staff also being withdrawn. Furthermore, the strength of both high commissions will be reduced from 55 to 30, with further reductions taking effect from May 1, 2025.
