In a dramatic move reflecting the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level security briefing at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning immediately upon his return from Saudi Arabia, cutting short his diplomatic visit following the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region.

The on-ground meeting included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, according to official sources. The briefing took place even before the prime minister left the airport premises, underlining the urgency of the situation after what is being described as “one of the deadliest terror strikes on tourists in Kashmir in recent years.”

Terrorists opened fire in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, most of them tourists, and leaving several others critically injured. Among the deceased were two foreign nationals—one from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and another from Nepal—as well as two local residents, according to J&K officials.

The brazen attack has sparked widespread outrage and grief across India, with the public demanding swift and decisive action. Speaking soon after landing in Delhi, PM Modi issued a stern message:
“Those behind this heinous attack will not be spared. Justice will be delivered.”

The prime minister’s return was expedited after receiving initial reports of the attack. Home Minister Amit Shah had already flown to Srinagar by Tuesday evening, where he is currently overseeing the multi-agency counter-terror response in coordination with local administration and armed forces.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other top security officials updated the prime minister about both the operational developments and diplomatic implications, especially with two foreign nationals among the casualties.