Indian Army Post, via PTI
| Published April 28, 2025
In a resolute address during his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist. He assured the nation that the perpetrators and their supporters would face the “harshest response,” emphasizing that justice would be served.
The attack occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination near Pahalgam, when gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists. The assault resulted in 26 fatalities and left 17 others injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region in recent years.
In response to the attack, the Indian government has taken several measures:
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Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
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Diplomatic Actions: India has expelled Pakistani military advisers from its territory and has withdrawn its own advisers from Pakistan. Additionally, all previously issued visas to Pakistani nationals have been canceled, and the main border crossing between the two countries has been closed.
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Security Measures: Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the attack site to assess the situation and coordinate the security response. The Indian Army has granted limited clearance for the operation of its grounded HAL Dhruv helicopters for counterterrorism operations in the region.
The attack has drawn international condemnation. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was on a state visit to India at the time, expressed his condolences and support for the Indian people.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on identifying the assailants and their networks. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
The Pahalgam attack underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring security in the region and has prompted a reevaluation of existing security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
For further details on Prime Minister Modi’s address, you can watch the full ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode below:
Here are the major implications of the Pahalgam terror attack and Prime Minister Modi’s response:
1. Increased Tensions Between India and Pakistan
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India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and cancellation of Pakistani visas signals severely strained diplomatic relations.
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Cross-border tensions could escalate militarily or lead to long-term diplomatic isolation for Pakistan if India rallies international support.
2. Boost in Domestic Security Measures
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Expect harsher security protocols in Jammu and Kashmir, including more troop deployments, checkpoints, and surveillance.
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Tourism, vital to Kashmir’s economy, may temporarily decline due to fears over safety.
3. Political Strengthening for Modi
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Modi’s strong vow of a “harshest response” is likely to bolster his domestic image as a decisive and tough leader ahead of the next elections.
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It may increase nationalist sentiment and rally public support behind his government.
4. Heightened Focus on Counterterrorism
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India could accelerate intelligence operations targeting terror networks.
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Partnerships with international counterterrorism agencies may strengthen, including sharing more intelligence and joint operations.
5. Impact on Indo-Pak Peace Prospects
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Any ongoing or future peace initiatives between India and Pakistan could be frozen indefinitely.
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Other neighboring countries might be pressured to choose sides diplomatically.
6. Global Diplomatic Repercussions
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Allies like the U.S., European Union, and Australia might publicly condemn the attack and show solidarity with India, potentially isolating Pakistan further.
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India could leverage this moment to push for international designations of certain groups or individuals as terrorists.
Overall Takeaway:
The Pahalgam terror attack marks a turning point in South Asia’s security landscape, intensifying India-Pakistan tensions and redefining New Delhi’s counterterrorism posture. Prime Minister Modi’s vow of the “harshest response” signals not just immediate retaliation, but a broader strategic shift toward uncompromising national security policies. As India strengthens internal measures and isolates Pakistan diplomatically, the region faces a period of heightened volatility, with global powers watching closely. For India, the attack has transformed a moment of tragedy into a test of resilience and leadership on the world stage.
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