“No one will be spared”: Modi’s vow to hunt down every Pahalgam terrorist

What did Prime Minister Modi say after the Pahalgam attack?

In a firm and unequivocal address made during a public event in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that India would not rest until it had traced and punished every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam attack. His remarks came just days after terrorists ambushed a group of tourists in the Baisaran Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to several others. Modi said that “each drop of blood spilled will be avenged,” underscoring the central government’s intention to pursue a hardline counter-terror approach going forward.

The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a broader shift in India’s internal security stance, particularly in Kashmir. The central government has repeatedly argued that acts of terror in the region are often directed from across the border and have accused Pakistan-based outfits of supporting these operations. In this latest incident, the Resistance Front, a shadow affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.

What happened in the Pahalgam terror attack?

On 22 April 2025, terrorists opened fire on civilians in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a tourist destination popularly referred to as ‘mini-Switzerland.’ The attack targeted a bus carrying domestic tourists, many of whom were on pilgrimage routes. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen appeared to have prior knowledge of the route and timings, indicating a well-planned assault. Investigations have so far revealed the involvement of three suspects, two of whom are believed to be Pakistani nationals, according to senior Indian intelligence officials.

The Resistance Front, which has previously operated under different names to avoid international scrutiny, issued a statement accepting responsibility. Security analysts have noted that the group often acts as a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba and receives support from handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian agencies are currently pursuing multiple leads, including satellite phone intercepts and forensic trails from the recovered weapons.

How has India responded diplomatically and strategically?

In response to the Pahalgam killings, New Delhi has initiated a range of retaliatory measures, both diplomatic and strategic. Among the most notable actions is the temporary suspension of medical visas for Pakistani nationals, a move that is being seen as symbolic of deteriorating bilateral ties. Furthermore, Indian authorities have hinted at revisiting key bilateral frameworks, including the Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, which governs river water sharing between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned the Pakistani High Commissioner and issued a formal diplomatic protest. Internally, security deployments across Jammu and Kashmir have been intensified, and multiple intelligence layers have been activated to pre-empt further attacks. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is reported to be personally overseeing the operational responses and risk assessments linked to terror activities across the region.

What are the implications for India-Pakistan relations?

The Pahalgam attack has further strained the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan. Islamabad, in a counter-move, suspended the Simla Agreement and shut down its airspace for Indian aircraft—a measure that directly impacts commercial aviation and logistics. Both nations have also recalled senior diplomatic personnel and halted bilateral talks scheduled for next month in Dubai.

These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of a decade-long diplomatic impasse and military standoffs, with sporadic border skirmishes along the Line of Control. While both countries maintain that they do not wish for war, the lack of a functional backchannel and the breakdown of confidence-building measures have raised concerns among foreign policy experts and global observers.

How has the global community reacted?

The international response has largely been cautious but sympathetic towards India. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have condemned the attack, while reiterating the need for regional stability and dialogue. The United Nations Secretary-General called for restraint and urged both countries to de-escalate tensions through diplomatic means. However, no global body has directly held Pakistan accountable for the involvement of groups operating from its territory, leading to frustrations in New Delhi over what it sees as selective global outrage.

India has also renewed its calls for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to examine Pakistan’s handling of terror financing, arguing that repeated attacks by groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are proof of ongoing cross-border support.

What does this mean for India’s counter-terror policy?

The government’s stance following the Pahalgam incident points toward an intensification of its counter-terrorism doctrine. The strategy appears to hinge on three axes: intelligence-driven operations, regional deterrence, and diplomatic isolation of state sponsors of terror. Indian security forces have already ramped up combing operations in south Kashmir, deploying additional National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams and activating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance.

On the policy front, there are discussions around increasing the scope of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to fast-track prosecutions and enhance evidence collection mechanisms. Further, the government is evaluating proposals to establish a federal terror tribunal akin to the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), which was shelved a decade ago amid federalism debates.

What are the political implications domestically?

The Pahalgam attack has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national discourse around security, nationalism, and governance. Opposition leaders have criticised what they described as “intelligence failure” while calling for a coordinated parliamentary briefing. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has doubled down on its national security credentials, positioning Modi’s statement as a reaffirmation of India’s sovereignty and resolve.

Public sentiment appears to have coalesced around the demand for accountability and retaliation. Civil society groups have organised solidarity marches in multiple cities, and calls for harsher cross-border military responses have gained traction on social media platforms.

As tensions with Pakistan continue to simmer, the Pahalgam attack is likely to remain a defining event in the subcontinent’s contemporary security narrative. Prime Minister Modi’s strong remarks reflect both a tactical and symbolic shift in India’s fight against terrorism—one that seeks to blend domestic counterinsurgency with global diplomatic pressure. While it remains to be seen how the situation evolves, one thing is certain: India’s response to terrorism is now being recalibrated in full public view, with policy, politics, and international diplomacy all converging on a common front.