In a strong and emotional response to the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a resolute message to Pakistan and the global community. Addressing a rally in Bihar, he declared that India will pursue and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and supporters, vowing that no one responsible will be spared. He further announced a string of diplomatic and strategic measures targeting Pakistan, including downgrading diplomatic staff and suspending water-sharing treaties.
PM Narendra Modi’s powerful address on terrorism
Speaking for the first time since the April 22 attack, PM Narendra Modi called it a barbaric act against innocent civilians. He assured the victims’ families that justice would not only be served but delivered with unwavering determination. “From the soil of Bihar, I say to the whole world—India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them till the end of the Earth,” he said, switching from Hindi to English to emphasize his message to the international audience. He warned the perpetrators that they would be punished “beyond their imagination.”
PM Narendra Modi said the strength of 140 crore Indians will break the spine of terrorism, adding that the entire country is united in grief and resolve. He also expressed gratitude to the global community for standing with India in this moment of crisis. He confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and support for bereaved families.
India’s retaliation through diplomatic and security moves
India’s response went beyond words. Just a day after the attack, the government cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals and directed all Pakistani citizens under this scheme to leave within 48 hours. Following a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, India also announced the downgrading of diplomatic ties by reducing the number of officials at both Indian and Pakistani high commissions to 30 each.
India further declared all military advisors stationed in the Pakistani High Commission as persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within a week. In return, Indian military diplomats will also be pulled out of Islamabad. The Integrated Check Post at the Attari border has been shut with immediate effect. One of the most significant moves was India’s decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, conditional upon Pakistan ending its support for cross-border terrorism.
According to the FIR registered by Jammu and Kashmir police, the attack in Pahalgam was carried out using illegally acquired automatic weapons and orchestrated by handlers based across the border. This has only intensified India’s diplomatic and strategic push to isolate Pakistan internationally.
