Effect of Pahalgam Attack: Modi’s Aircraft Avoids Pakistani Airspace on Return to Delhi

In the aftermath of a brutal terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India urgently. He arrived in Delhi on Wednesday morning.

According to reliable sources, during his return journey from Jeddah to Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft did not use Pakistani airspace and instead flew over the Arabian Sea, taking an alternative route. This decision contrasts with the outbound journey on Tuesday, when the same aircraft flew through Pakistani airspace en route to Saudi Arabia.

The change in route is reportedly attributed to a combination of factors, including saving time, avoiding procedural clearances, and the tense situation following the attack in Pahalgam. These developments influenced the decision to bypass Pakistani airspace.

The terrorist assault occurred in the Baisaran Valley area of Pahalgam, where militants opened fire on a group of tourists. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists. The Resistance Front, a local offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba operating out of Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Upon his arrival at the Delhi airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately held an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to assess the situation. A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) followed soon after.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, warning that those responsible for the heinous act would not be spared and would face severe punishment. He affirmed that the government’s resolve in combating terrorism had only grown stronger.