In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam attack that occurred on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mainly tourists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the Adampur Air Force Station in Punjab on May 13, 2025. This visit, which took place a day after his address to the nation regarding Operation Sindoor, aimed to boost the morale of the Indian soldiers and assess the prevailing situation.
The Pahalgam attack, perpetrated by five armed terrorists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, sent shockwaves across the nation and triggered a series of events that heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The terrorists, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, specifically targeted Hindu tourists, although a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also among the deceased. The incident is considered the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Responsibility for the attack was initially claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist group. The TRF stated that the attack was in response to non-local settlements in the region following the revocation of Kashmir's special status. However, the group later denied involvement and blamed Indian cyber-intelligence for the initial claim.
The attack prompted widespread condemnation and led to a strong response from India. Accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders. Pakistan retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace. Tensions escalated, leading to military conflict on May 7, 2025, when India launched airstrikes on targets within Pakistan as part of "Operation Sindoor".
Operation Sindoor involved strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the targets were destroyed with precision and that India was exercising its "right to respond" to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation led to a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan on May 10, with both countries agreeing to halt military actions.
During his address to the nation, PM Modi asserted that India would not tolerate "nuclear blackmail" and that operations against Pakistan were only suspended, dependent on their future behavior. He lauded the courage of the armed forces and dedicated Operation Sindoor to the women of India. He also referred to terrorist sites in Pakistan, such as Bahawalpur and Muridke, as "universities of terror".
At the Adampur Air Force Station, PM Modi interacted with air warriors and soldiers, praising their courage, determination, and fearlessness. He was briefed on the prevailing situation and conveyed the nation's gratitude to the armed forces. The Prime Minister's visit aimed to send a strong message to Pakistan that terror and talks cannot go together.
The events following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor have had a significant impact on the relationship between India and Pakistan. While a ceasefire is in place, tensions remain high, and the situation continues to be closely monitored.
