The Modi government’s response to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack was swift, multi-faceted, and highly assertive, combining a mix of military action, diplomatic measures, and economic sanctions against Pakistan. The government’s actions were consolidated under the name ofOperation Sindoor, which was publicly described as a decisive and comprehensive response to the terror attack.
1. Military and Security Response
The immediate military response was characterized by giving the armed forces a “free hand” to retaliate against the perpetrators.
Operation Sindoor: This was the name given to the overarching military and strategic response. On May 7, 2025, India launched targeted airstrikes on what it identified as terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan. According to official government statements, these strikes were highly precise and destroyed nine confirmed terror camps, including those in Bahawalpur, Sialkot, and Muzaffarabad, within a short span of 22 minutes.
Operational Freedom: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting and granted the armed forces “complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing” of India’s response. This was seen as a key political decision that enabled the military to act without delay.
Targeting the Perpetrators: The government’s response also included a specific operation,Operation Mahadev, aimed at eliminating the three terrorists directly responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that these three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists—Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran—were killed in a subsequent operation on July 28, 2025, after a months-long chase.
2. Diplomatic and Economic Actions
In addition to military strikes, the Modi government launched a series of non-military measures to pressure Pakistan and isolate it diplomatically.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: This was the most significant non-military measure. India announced that the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be held “in abeyance” until Pakistan “irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” This move had far-reaching economic consequences for Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on the Indus river system for agriculture.
Closure of Trade and Borders: India immediately closed the Attari-Wagah border and suspended all bilateral trade with Pakistan. This included halting key exports and banning imports, severing the primary land-based trade route and putting immediate economic pressure on Pakistan’s already fragile economy.
Visa and Cultural Sanctions: The government revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas for Pakistani nationals and declared Pakistani diplomats “Persona Non Grata.” A total ban was also imposed on Pakistani artists, restricting their performances and releases in India.
International Condemnation: India actively engaged with the international community to garner support. Following the attack, many global leaders, including those from the UK, Russia, Israel, and the United States, condemned the incident and backed India’s right to combat terrorism. The EU and India also held a joint counter-terrorism dialogue, during which the EU reiterated its condolences and condemned the attack.
3. Political and Public Statements
The political leadership of the Modi government made strong public statements to convey its resolve and reassure the nation.
Prime Minister’s Address: In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi condemned the “heinous act” and vowed that the perpetrators would “not be spared.” He later addressed the nation, saluting the armed forces for Operation Sindoor and stating, “Blood and water cannot flow together.”
Home Minister’s Statements: Home Minister Amit Shah visited Srinagar on the day of the attack and held high-level meetings. He later participated in a special discussion in Parliament, where he gave a detailed account of the government’s response and lauded the armed forces for their success in Operations Sindoor and Mahadev. He also accused the opposition of “vote bank politics” and prioritizing it over national security.
Parliamentary Resolutions: The Indian Parliament passed a unanimous resolution commending the Prime Minister and the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor, with even opposition parties joining in the praise for the military’s decisive action.
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