Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Holds Key Meeting with PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI, 28 APRIL 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held an important meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday. This meeting comes on the heels of significant developments following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. It also follows a briefing by Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan to the Defence Minister regarding key decisions made to counter Pakistan after the deadly attack.The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, involved terrorists opening fire at a group of tourists at Baisaran meadow around 2 pm, resulting in 26 fatalities, including a Nepalese national. The incident has shaken the region and heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. It has drawn widespread condemnation from across India and the international community. The meeting between Rajnath Singh and Narendra Modi also takes place three days after an all-party meeting in Parliament, which was chaired by the Defence Minister. The meeting focused on the Pahalgam terror attack and included discussions on the government’s response and the broader security situation in the region. The attack has been described as one of the most brutal strikes since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the National Investigation Agency has intensified its efforts, with teams stationed at the attack site since April 23. The agency has been gathering evidence to understand the full scope of the attack and to trace those responsible. In addition, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert, conducting several search operations in an effort to neutralise the terrorists involved. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met on April 23, strongly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The committee also discussed the cross-border connections of the attack, pointing out that it was likely linked to external terror elements. The committee noted that the attack came soon after the successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory and the significant progress towards economic growth and development. The terror attack has raised alarm over the stability and security of the region. In response to the attack, India has taken diplomatic steps to express its displeasure with Pakistan. On April 23, India decided to withdraw its Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These positions, which play a crucial role in facilitating military and defence-related diplomatic ties, have now been deemed annulled. Along with the advisors, five support staff from the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. This move is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce diplomatic ties with Pakistan in light of the recent escalation in violence. The strength of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025, reflecting the government’s intent to downsize its diplomatic presence.